Tooth whitening a dead front tooth

[Muhammad]

Hi

I have a discoloured front tooth which was root canal treated many years ago and has caused me no pain since the root canal was done. I would like to have my other teeth whitened and I have been told that this dead front tooth will not be any whiter with teeth whitening. So I am worried that I would be left with a very dark tooth compared to my other whitened teeth.

I would like to know if it is possible to do tooth whitening on a dead front tooth? If tooth whitening is not possible, what other options do I have?

[Dr Ehsan J. Esfahani]

Hello Muhammad

Thank you for your question.

Teeth whitening can be carried out on a dead tooth. A dead tooth which has been root canal treated well and is discoloured should usually be treated first with whitening to reduce the discoloration. Teeth whitening is the most conservative treatment for a discoloured tooth and we always try the least invasive treatment at Pearl Dental Clinic.

After laser, home or combination whitening of this discoloured tooth we can assess the results. If the discoloured tooth is still more noticeable we would usually continue the home whitening on this single tooth for 2-4 more weeks.

If the discoloration is still visible we would then attempt inside/outside bleaching to reduce the deeper internal discoloration of the tooth. Most of the time this is sufficient however if the discoloration is still noticeable we will then start restorative treatment which can be less conservative.

Restorative options you have include composite/porcelain veneers and crowns. Porcelain veneers and crowns will restore your tooth to a natural appearance which you will be happy with.

So in answer to your question you will not be left with a very dark tooth compared to your other whitened teeth. Glad to hear you have no pain since the root canal was done.

[kenny]

Hi!

I recently just had root canal treatment on my front tooh and I also had internal bleaching which gave me a pretty good result. It is actually more whiter than the rest of my tooth. But My problem is the Dentist told me that it has to be crowned so I wont lose it. She said the tooth is weak and brittle I am confused reading lots of forums some say front tooth sometimes dont need to get crowned bec you dont use them to chew a lot compared to molars. Did the dentist just told me to get a crown for the money? I am scared to get crown, it might be obvious.

Do I really need to get a crown after a succesful internal bleaching?

Thanks.

[Dr Ehsan J. Esfahani]

Hi Kenny

If your front tooth is heavily restored and the filling is likely to fracture then a crown is necessary to protect the tooth from fracture. On the other hand if most of the tooth is sound then it is not a good idea to crown as tooth shaving is necessary and it is better to be conservative when possible. It sounds like your tooth is not heavily restored as the internal bleaching was successful. Only after clinically assessing the tooth can we advise you properly. Examination can be done at a time and date that suits you as our clinic is open 7 days a week.

[dentalcare]

Hello everyone great posting.

[nay]

i have had a root canal at the age of 9 years old and i've had to deal with having a blue front tooth for about 8 years now and is really self concious about it. i came on here to see if i could do any thing to make it disappear or make it fade enough so you could hardly see it. My dentist said i would be getting a new front tooth when i turn 18 but with going out with my friends and that, its making it hard for a life not to smile,
i would like to know if there is anything i can do to get a smile before the date of my new front tooth, from the previous comments i have seen something about whitening but would it really work ?


please HELP asap :L

[Dr Mohsen J. Esfahani]

It is better if possible, not to have a dental crown before the age of 18, because the gum line changes and can leave the crown margin exposed and showing. In the mean time, you can have internal teeth whitening which whitens the root filled tooth from the inside. This is subject to the tooth having a good root canal but you have to be aware that results are unpredictable with internal whitening. If it works, you may have to repeat it every few years or have a crown in future.

[Mayo]

I have had a discoloured front tooth since I banged it on a park when I was 13, I'm now 26. Iv got an appointment for laser teeth whitening at 6pm today. Will this tooth whiten??
Thanks
Alan

[Dr Ehsan J. Esfahani]

Hello Mayo,

Yes in my experience laser teeth whitening can whiten a single discoloured front tooth however laser whitening is not the treatment of choice for a single discoloured tooth. Home whitening is more effective and longer lasting and you will need to use the trays to top-up once or twice a month. Good luck :-)