Can You Whiten a Dead Tooth? (2024)

FAQs

Can You Whiten a Dead Tooth? ›

Because the discoloration is inside the dead tooth's enamel, it will take a more involved process to get the results you want. Whitening treatments for dead teeth often involve the use of professional-strength bleaches or drilling a small hole into the back of the tooth to insert a whitening agent.

Yes, it is possible to whiten a dead tooth, but the key to successful treatment is a targeted approach. A dead tooth whitens more slowly, which requires additional treatments. So, it's likely that whitening all your teeth will only result in the dark tooth looking even more noticeable compared to the surrounding teeth.

Using whitening treatments to whiten a dead tooth works well for some individuals, while for other people, the results are not quite so successful.

The first step is an evaluation of the traumatized tooth/teeth to ensure that the pulp is alive. This is done with an X-ray or other tests. If the pulp is alive, external bleaching can be performed to whiten the tooth.

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.

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. Like magic the tooth lifts in colour from the inside out.

A dead tooth can remain inside the mouth for several days, weeks, months, or even years. The exact time depends upon the extent of the damage. However, keeping a dead tooth for a long time can have a major impact on oral health.

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.

Not every dead tooth will respond to teeth whitening treatments. If this is the case, you may need to consider other options, such as porcelain veneers or crowns. These treatments will encase the discolored tooth, and your smile will be bright as ever.

Not everyone is the right candidate for teeth whitening. For example, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should wait to get whitening. People who have dental bridges or crowns may want to talk to their dentist before considering whitening. Children should be at least 16 to get this type of treatment.

Can blackened teeth become white again? ›

It is not usually possible to get rid of black teeth at home. Home whitening kits may help with mild discoloration, but black teeth typically require professional treatment. A dentist will examine the teeth to diagnose the underlying cause and determine the right treatment.

Fillings, crowns, and other restorations.

Any whitening procedure should be done prior to the placement of restorations. People with numerous restorations that would result in uneven whitening may be better off considering bonding, veneers, or crowns rather than a tooth whitening system.

If you're insecure about your not-so-pearly whites, you might even avoid visiting the dentist, which means you probably have untreated oral health issues like cavities. While you may be tempted to purchase teeth whitening products from the drugstore, trying to whiten decayed teeth can do more harm than good.

In cases where the decay has severely compromised the tooth's structure, dental crowns may be the treatment of choice. Crowns are custom-made caps that cover and protect the entire tooth. They restore the tooth's appearance, strength, and function.

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.

It sounds like you have a congenitally missing tooth. It's not uncommon. Unfortunately, teeth whitening only affects natural tooth structure, so your fake tooth will not change.

A root canal is the most common and effective method for saving a dead tooth. During the procedure, a dentist removes the dead or infected pulp, thoroughly cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it to prevent further infection. Afterward, a crown is often placed on the tooth to protect and strengthen it.

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.