Teeth are alive with nerve connections and live pulp inside the roots. When endodontic therapy or a root canal is performed, the live pulp and nerve roots are removed, changing the dynamics of the tooth. While the tooth is still functional and connected to the jawbone, after a root canal, the tooth is dead. This can result in the tooth material darkening and changing color from the inside out. At First Smile Family Dental, we offer endodontic treatments for the interior tooth, including internal tooth bleaching, at our dental center in Federal Way, WA.
The dentin of teeth is very porous and can be stained and discolored. Unlike surface stains to the enamel, a dead tooth can become discolored from particles inside the tooth. A darkened tooth with discolored dentin will not respond to teeth whitening meant to remove exterior stains from food, beverages or tobacco. To change the tooth color, the dentin needs to be bleached, which is best accomplished from the inside out. Since the whitening needs to occur inside the tooth, endodontic treatment is needed for internal tooth bleaching.
Restoring White Teeth After a Root Canal
If you have a tooth that is darker after a root canal, come see us at First Smile Family Dental. Dr. Vien Nguyen can examine your tooth and determine if internal bleaching for your dead tooth is the best option. This procedure is painless and effective for changing the color of a tooth after root canal therapy. A small hole is drilled in the tooth to reach the interior canal, then a bleaching solution is put inside the tooth and sealed. The bleaching process occurs over several days – it is painless since the root no longer has nerve roots. In some cases, more than one bleaching treatment is needed to achieve the desired tooth color.
If you had a root canal and the tooth is darkening, internal tooth bleaching may be the solution. We also offer porcelain veneers and white dental crowns that can be used to cover a discolored tooth. To find out more about your options, contact us at First Smile Family Dental. We can book a consultation with Dr. Nguyen to discuss internal tooth bleaching to restore your white smile.