Archives for May 2024

Why Is My Root Canal Tooth Turning Dark?

Posted on May 29, 2024 by AllSmiles.

My dentist put my upper left tooth back I place because it was knocked out. He put the tooth back in and bonded it. He also did a root canal on the tooth. The tooth has turned darker than my other tooth, and my dentist said I probably need a crown. Is a crown on a root canal front tooth a good idea? Is there a way we can save the tooth without a crown? Thank you. Geoff from MD

Geoff,

It’s important to consider the potential risks of a crown on a front tooth. It increases the risk of tooth breaking from lateral stress, especially if you have a heavy bite when eating.

Why Does a Root Canal Tooth Turn Dark?

Teeth often discolor after root canal treatment. After removing the infected tooth pulp, a dentist fills the tooth with a filling material or cement. If the dentist leaves some of the filling material in the crown (the part of your tooth above the gumline), the material will discolor the tooth.

How Can a Dentist Lighten a Root Canal Tooth?

A skilled cosmetic dentist can lighten a root canal tooth by removing the root canal filling material from the tooth’s crown. The dentist may also recommend internal bleaching. Afterward, the flexible post can be inserted into the tooth and sealed with dental composite, which can prevent discoloration for several years.

As discoloration occurs, a skilled cosmetic dentist may recommend a porcelain veneer and color match the veneer to the adjacent tooth.

In cases where a front tooth was knocked out and replanted, you may need an X-ray to ensure your body is not eating away at the tooth’s root. Your dentist did well to preserve your tooth. However, he may not understand how to improve your tooth color. A dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training can help.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post. Read what they do to provide some of the best dental care in San Antonio.

I Have a Weird Lingering Sensation in a New Dental Crown

Posted on May 21, 2024 by AllSmiles.

I got two new crowns in March. One crown felt unusual, so my dentist offered to re-cement it or give me a new one. I opted for a new crown, which was ready in three weeks. My bite doesn’t feel quite right with the crown. However, the crown doesn’t cause any pain, but something feels weird in a way that’s difficult to describe. As a professional in the service industry, I understand that anyone can make mistakes. So, should I give my dentist another chance or request a refund? Thanks. Tim from KS

Tim,

A new crown should be unnoticeable and feel like a healthy tooth. Despite bite adjustments, a crown can still be problematic.

What Should You Do About a New Uncomfortable Dental Crown?

If discomfort in a new dental crown lingers, see an advanced cosmetic dentist for a second opinion. The dentist will examine the crown and X-ray the tooth to determine the cause of your symptoms. A root canal tooth with a crown would not hurt because the tooth pulp and nerves don’t exist. Symptoms in a root canal tooth may be vague.

What Causes Tooth Decay Beneath a Dental Crown?

If you experience tooth decay beneath a crown, possible causes may include:

Trapped bacterial or plaque in the tooth
Root canal failure
Untreated decay or infection in the crowned tooth

Depending on the condition of your tooth and how much tooth structure is left, the second opinion dentist may recommend:

Crown adjustment
A new crown
Replacing the tooth with a dental implant

After retreatment, your tooth and bite should feel comfortable.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post.

Teeth Whitening Didn’t Work for Brown Spots

Posted on May 15, 2024 by AllSmiles.

My dentist used whitening products to lighten brown spots on my teeth that have been there since childhood. My teeth are white, but the whitening products make the brown spots look worse. My dentist thinks he can grind away the discoloration and replace it with dental bonding. Is this my only option? Zenia

Zenia,

Your dentist’s attempts to whiten brown spots on your teeth that have been present since childhood, but he doesn’t understand how to improve tooth discoloration.

What Causes Brown Spots on Teeth?

The causes of brown spots on teeth may include a medical condition, medication, or external factors, including:

Excessive fluoride intake during childhood
Taking tetracycline (antibiotic) during childhood while teeth are developing
Tooth decay
Trauma
Tobacco products
Untreated decalcification around braces

Will Teeth Whitening Remove Brown Spots?

Teeth whitening will remove surface stains on teeth. However, it does not remove brown stains from factors such as fluorosis, tetracycline, or fever during childhood.

What Is the Treatment for Brown Stains on Teeth?

Porcelain veneer

Depending on the cause and severity of brown stains on teeth, a skilled cosmetic dentist may remove them with microabrasion, dental bonding, or porcelain veneers.

Microabrasion – Hydrochloric acid and pumice gently remove small amounts of stained tooth removal.
Dental bonding – A dentist can color match and layer dental composite by hand to conceal moderate to severe tooth stains.
Porcelain veneers – The process begins by removing less than a millimeter of tooth enamel to prepare your teeth for porcelain veneers. An advanced cosmetic dentist can work with a master ceramist to produce natural-looking veneers that conceal the brown spots.

Consult an advanced cosmetic dentist with post-graduate training to discuss your options for concealing brown stains on your teeth.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post. Read how they strive to provide patients with some of the best dental care in San Antonio.