Whitening a Dead Tooth - The Courtyard Clinic (2024)

FAQs

Whitening a Dead Tooth - The Courtyard Clinic? ›

A dead tooth takes up either a caramel brown colour or a grey dull colour. It's one way or the other. There is a cure and the answer is non vital bleaching. This is where a root canal treatment is performed, or if previously in place it is slightly modified and bleach is put into the back of the tooth.

Yes! A dead tooth has intrinsic stains, meaning the stains are inside the tooth rather than outside. Therefore, if the traditional application may not achieve the desired result, putting the bleaching agent inside the tooth can be a good alternative.

It is possible to whiten a dead tooth using in-office or at-home teeth whitening treatments. The key is to go about this procedure in a specific way to encourage a more natural appearance to the end result.

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.

Treatment Options For Blue Or Grey Teeth

If your tooth is blue or gray internally, external treatments won't make a difference. If it's external, whitening treatments can help. If whitening doesn't work, your dentist may recommend other options, like veneers.

In some cases, a dead tooth could stay in the mouth for many months or even years without causing any apparent issues. However, even if a dead tooth doesn't fall out, it can lead to complications like infection, abscess formation, and damage to surrounding teeth and tissues if left untreated.

Over-the-counter whitening products and DIY whitening pastes usually only work on healthy teeth. In fact, many people complain that the color of a dead tooth gets worse after at-home whitening treatments. However, this is because the dead tooth stays the same color, while the other teeth all get lighter.

A crown is a covering that's specifically molded to your tooth. Your dentist will file away part of your existing tooth and then permanently fit the crown over the tooth. A crown can be made to match the color of your surrounding teeth so that it's not noticeable.

It's important to treat a dying or dead tooth as soon as possible. That's because left untreated, the bacteria from the dead tooth can spread and lead to the loss of additional teeth. It could also affect your jawbone and gums. Your dentist may treat a dead or dying tooth with a procedure known as a root canal.

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.

Cavities, or tooth decay, are small holes in the teeth. As a result, there is no natural way to remove them at home. Only a dentist can fix a cavity by filling it in. That said, home care can prevent cavities.

If the tooth is dead, it will often get darker in color, and a person may notice a yellow, gray, or black discoloration. A change in color usually occurs because the red blood cells are dying. This is a very similar effect to bruising.

The acetic acid in white vinegar has antibacterial properties and promotes demineralization of tooth enamel, making it effective in removing tartar and plaque. Add half a teaspoon of salt to half a cup of water and add two teaspoons of white vinegar to it. Stir it well and gargle the mixture twice a day.

Does internal bleaching work on a dead tooth? Yes, internal teeth bleaching works on dead teeth. This procedure is ideal for teeth that have died because of trauma, direct impact, grinding, infection or other causes. Because dead teeth receive no blood flow, the red blood cells die.

If your teeth have any signs of decay or worn enamel, then you may also experience sensitivity if you undertake treatment. Additionally, you should note that if you have crowns or veneers, then these will not be whitened by the teeth whitening process.

When a tooth has already been damaged, the bleaching agent used for whitening treatments can get into the tooth's pulp, leading to irritation, pain, and discomfort. In some cases, permanent damage might be done to teeth structures.

A crown can be made to match the color of your surrounding teeth so that it's not noticeable. If your doctor determines that you don't need a crown, you may be able to use tooth bleaching to treat any discoloration to the affected tooth. This is usually seen on anterior teeth only.

You can whiten your teeth even if they are bonded, but your method depends on the bonding material used. If resin-based composite were used, then at-home whitening kits would work. However, if your dentist uses a porcelain veneer or ceramic crown, professional help will be necessary to achieve the desired results.