Can you whiten a dead tooth? (2024)

FAQs

Can you whiten a dead tooth? ›

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.

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.

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.

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

A healthy tooth should have a shade of white; however, a discolored tooth may appear light brown, yellow, black, or gray. The discoloration will become more vivid as time goes by as the tooth continues to die. If the dead tooth is clearly visible, then you might need to brighten it.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Can you put a veneer on a dead tooth? ›

Root Canal Treatment: A dead tooth often requires a root canal treatment to take out the dead nerve and prevent infection. Successfully treated and properly sealed, a dead tooth can then be a candidate for a veneer, provided the tooth structure is adequate.

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.

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.

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.

Benzocaine or Lidocaine oral gel: These topical anesthetics can provide temporary relief by numbing the affected area. Apply a small amount directly to the painful tooth and gum area as directed on the packaging. Clove oil: Clove oil has natural numbing properties and has been used for tooth pain relief for many years.

For cosmetic purposes, a restoration like a veneer or crown will be placed on the tooth, or internal bleaching can be performed to try to match the discoloration to its normal hue. A root canal is the only way to save a dead tooth and involves removing the pulp and cleaning the site to prevent infections.

What to expect if a tooth turns gray. Gray teeth may not go back to their original color unless they're treated with whitening agents. If you don't get the results you want from at-home treatment, your dentist may recommend in-office bleaching or veneers.