This patient visited our Washington, DC dental office with two teeth requiring restorative treatment. One tooth had a cavity that was successfully treated with a tooth-colored composite filling, restoring its strength, function, and natural appearance. The second tooth had more extensive decay that had reached the nerve, making root canal treatment necessary to save the tooth and eliminate infection.
Following the root canal, we placed a protective filling to restore the tooth temporarily and allow the patient to comfortably use the tooth during the healing phase. Because a root canal-treated tooth is more susceptible to fracture, the next step will be the placement of a custom dental crown. The crown will provide long-term protection, restore full function, and blend naturally with the surrounding teeth.
The before-and-after images demonstrate how modern restorative dentistry can preserve natural teeth, relieve discomfort, and prevent the need for extraction. By combining a dental filling and root canal treatment, we were able to restore the patient's oral health while preparing for a durable, long-lasting crown restoration.
