Enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth that protects it from harm. Since it’s the strongest material in the human body, you may think that it’s impossible to damage. Unfortunately, enamel can become chipped or cracked from things like blows to the face while playing contact sports, eating hard foods, or using your teeth to open bottles or packages. Many parts of the body will heal on their own over time, but can the same be said for tooth enamel? Read on to learn if a chipped tooth will heal on its own and what your dentist can do to help.

When a tooth is severely infected, a root canal may be necessary to repair it. During this procedure, your dentist will remove the pulp that’s triggering your pain. They will then clean and sanitize the area before filling the tooth with a synthetic material called gutta-percha and placing a temporary dental crown. Though pain is a common sign that you need to undergo this procedure, what if your tooth doesn’t hurt? Do you still need a root canal? Read on to find out.