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Root Canal Treatment in Danbury, CT
A root canal removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth, cleans the canals and seals them, so you can keep your natural tooth. We numb the tooth first, and laughing gas is available if you're nervous.
Care from general dentist Dr. Anusha Atique, DDS · Se habla español
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At a glance
Goal
Save your tooth
Comfort
Laughing gas
After
Usually a crown
Paying
Insurance accepted
Root canal basics
What's inside a tooth
Under the enamel and dentin is the pulp, the soft tissue with nerves and blood vessels. When it's infected, a root canal cleans it out and seals the tooth.
Enamel
The hard outer layer
Dentin
The layer underneath
Pulp and root canals
Nerves and blood vessels. Infection starts here.
Illustration only.
Do you need a root canal?
Signs to get checked…
✓ A toothache that lingers
✓ Pain when you bite or chew
✓ Sensitivity to hot or cold that won't go away
✓ A swollen gum or bump near a tooth
Something else may be the answer if…
– The tooth can't be saved. An extraction and implant may be better.
– The pain is from a cavity. A filling may be enough.
– It's your gums, not the tooth. We'll treat the gums.
– Swelling makes it hard to breathe. Go to the ER.
Root canal or extraction?
Both stop the infection. Saving your natural tooth is usually the first choice when it's possible.
Root canal
Extraction
Your tooth
Stays in place
Is removed
Next step
A crown or filling
An implant, bridge or partial
Overall cost
Usually less overall
More if you replace it
Chewing
Like a natural tooth
Depends on the replacement
How it works
1
2
3
Exam and X-rays
We find the cause and confirm the tooth can be saved.
Clean and seal
We numb the tooth, remove the infected pulp, clean the canals and seal them.
Protect the tooth
Most back teeth then get a crown to keep them strong.
Good to know
Does a root canal hurt?
We numb the tooth first, and laughing gas is available. The tooth may feel tender for a few days.
How long does it take?
Usually one or two visits, depending on the condition of the tooth.
Why do I need a crown after?
A treated back tooth can become brittle. A crown helps protect it from cracking.
“They did really well with my anxiety… The doctor explained what we were doing and let me do breaks.”
Lexii L.Z. · Google review
Paying for root canals
Many insurance plans help cover root canals. Members save 10%, and HFD, Cherry or CareCredit can spread the cost.
Root canal questions
What are the signs I need a root canal?
A lingering toothache, pain when biting, sensitivity to hot or cold that won't go away, or a swollen gum near a tooth. An exam and X-ray confirm it.
Is it better to pull the tooth?
Keeping your natural tooth is usually the first choice. If it can't be saved, we'll talk about extraction and replacement.
Do you do root canals in your office?
Yes, at our Danbury office. If a case is complex, we'll refer you to a specialist.
What happens if I wait?
The infection can spread and the tooth can break down further. Call us if you have symptoms.
Can I go back to work after?
Many people return to normal activities the same day. The tooth may be tender for a few days.
