Root Canal Treatment
A root canal can rescue an infected tooth that would otherwise need extraction. This reliable treatment restores your tooth’s health, strength, and natural appearance.
Root Canal Treatment in Wichita, KS
Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, normally protected by strong enamel. When deep cavities or injuries allow bacteria to reach this inner layer, a serious infection can develop. Without treatment, the tooth may be lost. At Humlicek Family Dental, root canal therapy is an effective way to remove infection, relieve pain, and save your natural tooth.
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How is root canal treatment performed?
Root canal therapy begins with digital X-rays to assess the damage, followed by sedation to keep you comfortable. The dentist creates an opening in the tooth, removes the infected tissue, and flushes the root canals with an antimicrobial solution. The cleaned space is then filled with a medicated material to support healing and restore strength. Finally, a dental crown is placed over the tooth to protect it from future fractures and damage.
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How do I know if my root canal is infected?
Patients with an infected root canal usually know something is wrong, as the condition often causes severe pain along with other noticeable symptoms. Common signs include persistent toothaches, sensitivity to hot or cold, swollen or tender lymph nodes, and recurring gum abscesses.
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How long does the pain from a root canal last?
Many people believe root canals are extremely painful, but in reality, they’re usually no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. An anesthetic is used to keep you comfortable during the procedure, and while some tenderness or sensitivity may occur for a few days afterward due to gum tissue irritation, most discomfort is mild and temporary.
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What is pulpotomy?
A pulpotomy is a dental procedure used mainly in children to treat tooth decay that has reached the pulp, or soft inner tissue, of a baby tooth. The infected portion of the pulp is removed while the healthy part is left in place, helping relieve pain, stop the spread of infection, and preserve the tooth until it naturally falls out. This allows the child to maintain normal chewing function and proper spacing for permanent teeth.
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What are alternatives to root canal treatment?
The main alternatives to root canal treatment are tooth extraction or, in some cases, pulp therapy for children. Extraction removes the tooth entirely, which may then be replaced with a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture to restore function and appearance. While these options can work, saving the natural tooth with a root canal is usually the preferred choice whenever possible.
More questions about root canal treatment?
If you’d like to learn more about root canal treatment, reach out to us or schedule an appointment using the links below. You can also explore the full range of dental services we offer.
