Can you whiten a dead tooth | The Options Near You in Bexley, UK?
Men with a Dead Incisor Tooth: it is rare to think of a tooth dying, since the part we see is made of hard enamel that contains no living cells. However, beneath that is a layer known as dentine, which is primarily connective tissue composed of proteins such as collagen. It is softer than the enamel and covers the delicate pulp at the centre, which contains both blood vessels and nerves. This region is made up of living tissue, and when someone is referring to a dead tooth Bexley, it is the pulp that has been damaged, meaning that blood is no longer being supplied to it.
What happens to a tooth when it dies?
There are several different ways in which a tooth can die, but probably the most common is as a result of trauma. The decay of the enamel or damage to the incoming nerve can also have the same effect.
Teeth whitening for tea and coffee drinkers?
Surprisingly, the death of a tooth has a significant impact on its appearance. You might expect that the pale enamel on the surface would prevent you from seeing any changes, but a dead tooth is extremely noticeable, especially if it is one of the incisors in the upper jaw. A dead tooth will be either brown or grey in colour, rather than the white or cream that you would expect, and as a result, people with a visible dead tooth are often keen to undergo treatment to whiten it, making the damage less obvious.
Can you have teeth whitening in Bexley, UK done on a dead tooth?
Whitening treatments are not always effective on dead teeth Bexley, because the change in colour occurs both in the enamel and the dentine, while most treatments will only affect the surface. If you are interested in a whitening procedure, then you should speak to your tooth whitening specialist about custom trays, which are the method most likely to be effective. The trays need to be moulded to your teeth, and then you fill them with a whitening gel and wear them at night. This gel releases oxygen gas that penetrates the teeth and removes stains.
However, this is unlikely to penetrate deep enough to remove all of the discolourations. If you have tried it and are not yet satisfied with the appearance, it is possible to have a small hole drilled in the back of the tooth, have whitening gel inserted, and then have the hole resealed. Over the next week or two, the gel will penetrate the tooth and remove some more of the stain. It will not be able to remove it completely.
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Once the teeth have been whitened, if the dead tooth is still noticeably different, then the best solution is probably to have it fitted with a cap, which should be as closely matched in colour to the rest of your teeth as possible. This will restore your smile to an even colour and disguise the presence of the dead tooth.
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FAQs: What happens to A Dead tooth?
1. What exactly is a dead tooth?
A dead tooth is a tooth whose inner pulp has lost its blood supply and is no longer living. While the outer enamel remains in place, the tissue inside the tooth has been damaged, often following an injury, deep decay or other problems affecting the tooth’s nerve.
2. How can I tell if a tooth has died?
One of the most noticeable signs is a change in colour. A dead tooth may gradually turn grey, brown or darker than the surrounding teeth. Some people also experience pain or swelling beforehand, although others notice only the change in appearance.
3. Will ordinary teeth whitening improve the colour of a dead tooth?
Not usually to the same extent as a healthy tooth. Because much of the discolouration develops inside the tooth rather than on its surface, conventional whitening treatments often have limited success when used on a non-vital tooth.
4. Are there whitening treatments designed specifically for a dead tooth?
Yes. After assessing the tooth, a dentist may recommend internal whitening if the tooth is suitable and has been appropriately treated. This approach works differently from standard external whitening and is intended to address discolouration from within the tooth.
5. Why does a dead tooth in Bexley, UK become darker over time?
Once the pulp inside the tooth is no longer healthy, changes within the tooth structure can alter its appearance. Those internal changes gradually affect the way light passes through the tooth, making it appear darker than the neighbouring teeth.
6. What if whitening doesn’t produce an even colour?
If the shade remains noticeably different after appropriate treatment, your dentist may discuss cosmetic options such as a crown or veneer, depending on the condition of the tooth. The most suitable solution will depend on both its appearance and its long-term strength.
7. Can a dead tooth always be saved?
Not every case is the same. The outlook depends on factors such as the cause of the damage, the amount of remaining tooth structure, and whether the tooth can be restored successfully. A dental examination is needed before deciding on the best treatment.
8. Should I ignore a dead tooth if it isn’t painful?
No. A tooth can lose its vitality without causing ongoing pain, but it should still be examined by a dentist. Early assessment helps identify whether treatment is needed to prevent further problems and to discuss the available options for restoring its appearance.