A root canal is performed when the soft inner part of a tooth, known as the pulp, is injured or becomes inflamed or infected.

The crown of the tooth — the part you can see above your gums — can remain intact even if the pulp is dead. Removing injured or infected pulp is the best way to preserve the structure of the tooth.

Common causes of damage to the pulp include:

• deep decay due to an untreated cavity
• multiple dental procedures on the same tooth
• a chip or crack in the tooth
• an injury to the tooth (you might injure a tooth if you get hit in the mouth; the pulp can still be damaged even if the injury doesn’t crack the tooth)
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The most common symptoms of damaged pulp include pain in your tooth, and swelling and a sensation of heat in your gums. Your dentist will examine the painful tooth and take X-rays to confirm the diagnosis. Your dentist may refer you to an endodontist if they think you need a root canal.

six to eight veneers in order to create an even, symmetrical smile. The top front eight teeth are the most commonly applied veneers.

The biggest benefit to veneers is improving the appearance of your teeth, giving you a brighter and more even smile. Dental veneers are often used to treat the following cosmetic occurrences:

• broken or chipped teeth
• severe discoloration or uneven coloring that can’t be fixed with whitening
• gaps in the teeth
• smaller-than-average teeth
• pointed or unusually shaped teeth