Curious about how to fix a stained tooth? We’re Raleigh Dentists Drs. Gover and Gover and we practice general and cosmetic dentistry in Raleigh NC, but we also serve patients from Cary, Apex, Morrisville and the surrounding Triangle Area. A stained tooth that is darker than the rest can arise for a number of reasons. In this article we will discuss “intrinsic” stains which originate from the interior of the tooth, specifically following a root canal. The good news is … we can correct this problem.
Tooth discoloration is most often on the surface of the tooth, but the darkening may also be coming from the inside of the tooth. A tooth that has undergone a root canal in the past may exhibit such staining or discoloration.
Internal tooth decay or physical injury from a severe blow like a flying elbow in sports such as football, basketball or hockey can cause damage inside a tooth. This can lead to the death of the tooth and the eventual need for a root canal. The root canal procedure removes all the pulp and nerve from the hollow interior of the tooth which is then filled with a sealant. In some cases this can ultimately show through the enamel of the tooth, presenting the discoloration we described above and the potential need to fix a stained tooth.
Not all root canal teeth turn dark, but when they do it can have a detrimental effect on one’s smile and self-confidence. When you are considering how to fix a stained tooth following a root canal, bleaching and teeth whitening aren’t enough to make the difference.
The obvious cosmetic problem with a tooth like this is that it’s the first thing you see when the person smiles. The tooth simply stands out from the teeth around it. If the tooth is structurally sound and the patient can afford it, the very best treatment is a porcelain veneer. But these veneers are expensive. A full crown is another option but is also expensive and more invasive.
How to Fix a Stained Tooth after a Root Canal
Aside from the stain, a tooth like we’re describing here is otherwise fine. The challenge is figuring out a way to cover the stain while keeping an eye on the patient’s budget and avoiding unnecessary over-invasive techniques. A bonded composite is the most affordable solution and is also faster since it does not require a ceramist and/or the off-site shaping that porcelain veneers require at a dental lab. The procedure known as “cosmetic bonding” uses bonded composites which are tooth-colored plastics that have literally revolutionized the dental profession.
Where the real skill as a cosmetic and restorative dentist comes in is first realizing that to fix a stained tooth like this, a typical bonded composite will be too thin to completely hide such a stained tooth. Drawing on our experience we know the secret to this fix is to remove enough of the enamel layer on the front of the tooth to get to the underlying stain.
The tooth is technically dead so it is not a painful experience for the patient. Once the deeper stain is removed, it is easier to add enough composite to cover the stain. It’s also an opportunity to do some trimming and shaping to improve the overall aesthetic shape of the tooth. The result is a more even smile with matching tooth colors at about half the cost of porcelain veneers.
If you have a cosmetic or dental question, one that requires the skill and experience we’ve described here, please contact us for a consultation. We can help. Particularly if you are searching for how to fix a stained tooth, contact Gover and Gover Dentistry at 919-782-9516.
