Teeth whitening treatments are one of the popular treatments used to improve the way a person's teeth look. A single whitening session can improve the color of a person's teeth by up to 10 shades. It is an effective way to get rid of most types of discoloration and stains that form on teeth surfaces, like those caused by aging and consuming color-rich foods or beverages.
Why cavities should be fixed before teeth whitening
Teeth whitening treatments performed by dentists use bleaching chemicals, like hydrogen peroxide and hydrogen carbamide, to lift stains and discoloration away from the inner and outer surfaces of teeth. These chemicals weaken teeth enamel and they can irritate teeth that have already been damaged by decay.
A tooth with a cavity can end up being severely irritated after teeth whitening, leading to pain, discomfort and increased sensitivity. In some cases, the whitening treatments can end up permanently damaging the tooth.
Things are even worse if the tooth is already decayed. Whitening treatments are not effective on stains and discoloration caused by tooth decay and it can end up damaging the tooth even more.
Having tooth decay does not automatically disqualify a patient from getting teeth whitening treatments. It simply means the dentist needs to address the cavities and decay before proceeding with whitening the patient's teeth.
Dealing with cavities and tooth decay
Composite resins are a great way to fill up cavities. The composite can be matched with the target shade of white planned for the patient's whitening procedure. The dentist will typically clean out the tooth before filling it up with a composite. Composite resin has a putty-like consistency and they are hardened using a curing light.
A tooth that has been severely damaged by tooth decay might need a root canal. This involves cleaning out the soft tissues in the tooth's pulp chamber and closing it up. The dentist might hold off covering the tooth with a crown until the patient's whitening treatments are completed.
What to expect during teeth whitening
Teeth whitening treatments are often done using customized mouth trays. The dentist takes an impression of the patient's mouth and sends it to a lab that makes the mouth trays. The tray is used to immerse the patient's teeth in the whitening product, and it prevents the chemicals in it from getting into the patient's jaw where it can irritate the gums.
The patient bites down on the mouth tray after it has been filled with the whitening product, and they keep it there for 60 to 90 minutes. The dentist removes the mouth tray and rinses the patient's teeth. A fluoride treatment might be performed to reduce teeth sensitivity. The patient should have noticeably whiter teeth after each whitening session. Most patients will need more than one treatment to reach the desired color.
Fix your cavities and whiten your teeth
Call or visit our Lincroft clinic to learn more about how we can whiten your teeth if you also have cavities.
Request an appointment here: https://lincroftvillagedental.com or call Lincroft Village Dental Care at (732) 842-5005 for an appointment in our Lincroft office.
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FAQs
We will then examine your teeth and gums to ensure that they are healthy enough for whitening. This way if any cavities or infections exist they can be treated first. To learn more or to get started, call (732) 842-5005 and schedule your appointment.
Should I have cavities filled before teeth whitening? ›
If you have cavities and plan to whiten, fill them now. In addition to the fact that it's important for your teeth to be as healthy as possible before undergoing tooth-whitening treatment, it's also not a bad idea to clean out any existing decay if there are any visible signs of decay on your mouth at all.
Can I get my teeth whitened if I have fillings? ›
If they are not leaky, you can do it either way. Teeth whitening will not impact your fillings. However, it will not whiten them either. If any of them are visible, you will want to do the whitening first, and then have the composite filling replaced afterward to match the new whiter color.
Can you get your teeth professionally whitened with cavities? ›
If you have active cavities, it's important to have them treated before getting your teeth whitened. This will ensure that your teeth are strong and healthy enough to withstand the bleaching agents and minimize the risk of pain and sensitivity.
Why would a dentist choose not to fill a cavity? ›
While dental fillings provide a person with a restored tooth, they may not always be necessary. They can be expensive and scary to have done because it requires drilling of the tooth. Knowing what alternative treatment methods there are for cavities can help a person who is concerned about having a dental filling done.
What can disqualify you from teeth whitening? ›
Teeth Whitening Disqualifications
Cavities, gum disease, fillings, crowns, and bridges may disqualify you from treatment. Other conditions and circ*mstances that may bar a patient from teeth whitening treatment include: Pregnancy and breast-feeding. Being under the age of 16.
What not to do before getting teeth whitened at dentist? ›
What Not To Do Before a Teeth Whitening Appointment
- Don't Eat Foods and Beverages That May Stain Your Teeth. Drinks like coffee, tea, dark sodas, and red wine are notoriously known for staining teeth. ...
- Don't Consume Acidic Foods. ...
- Don't Forget To Schedule a Dental Cleaning Six Months Prior. ...
- Don't Neglect Good Oral Hygiene.
If you are planning to get your teeth whitened, we highly recommend you get your teeth whitened first and allow 2 to 3 weeks for stabilization of the color prior to getting fillings, veneers, or crowns done.
Do dentists judge you for having cavities? ›
It's important to remember that dentists don't go into their profession to judge people; they go into it to help them. No matter what your oral health condition is, a good dentist will not make you feel bad about it.
Is it worth it to get your teeth professionally whitened? ›
As a result, you may wonder if professional tooth whitening is worth the cost. Lots of patients are curious about in-office treatment and ask if it is really better than at-home options. The answer is a resounding yes. The most effective way to whiten teeth is with a professional in-office treatment.
When you're looking for a better cosmetic choice for treating cavities, inlays and onlays can be just the dental treatment you need. Made of composite resin or porcelain, inlays and onlays match the color of your natural teeth, which gives a seamless appearance.
Can I wait 6 months to fill a cavity? ›
You may wait six months before visiting a dentist near you to treat cavities with fillings. However, waiting for so many months allows the decay to progress. As a result, you will develop chewing difficulties and experience intense discomfort.
What is the disadvantage of cavity filling? ›
There are two main risks to getting fillings: infection and damage. Sometimes when you get a filling, it can pull away from the tooth which leaves a small space open. This space is an area where bacteria can get in and cause more tooth decay and infection. Cavity fillings can also break or fall out completely.
When should you not get a cavity filled? ›
What kind of cavity doesn't need to be filled? If you have a very small cavity limited to the enamel (or outer layer) of your tooth, you may not need to get a filling. This is especially true if you have had very few cavities in the past and practice good oral hygiene.
How long after whitening can I get a filling? ›
The fillings and crowns can be restored to the lighter shade of the teeth after treatment without any problems. Normally the dentist will wait two weeks after the completion of whitening before replacing fillings and crowns.
Should you whiten your teeth before or after the dentist? ›
So, the right thing to do is to whiten your teeth first and then have your restorations, such as crowns and veneers, placed. If one does their restorations after their whitening treatment, their dentist can match the shade of their restorations to their newly whitened teeth.
Is it better to fill cavities early? ›
It's best to catch a cavity before it starts causing a tooth ache. As the decay worsens, deeper cavities appear on the tooth. If left untreated, eventually the cavity will grow into your inner tooth layers – causing progressively more pain.
