Root canal treatment, otherwise known as endodontic treatment, is used to treat the nerve of the tooth. An infected or injured nerve can die, leading to a dental abscess, a severe toothache, sensitivity and possibly the discolouration of the tooth.
Why Does This Happen?
Not all root canal procedures will discolour or stain the tooth, but when staining occurs it could be due to a number of factors. The most common of which is due to the fact that pulp tissue (the layer in the centre of the tooth) is left inside. The discolouring happens when this “leftover pulp” starts to decompose. The reason why it can be so easy to overlook pulp in the tooth is because fragments of it can be found in pulp horns, which are like small tunnels dividing away from the centre of the tooth.
Other reasons for staining after a root canal includes leftover canal filing materials being left in the crown of the tooth and/or root canal medications. The most common cause however, is caused by the deadened dentin left inside the tooth.
Do I need a Root Canal?
Instead of extracting a tooth, endodontic treatment cleans out the deadened (or damaged) nerve tissue that is infected. After disinfecting the canals, a special root filling can help to restore the tooth to its prior state. In fact, the same tooth can remain in function for a number of years. This is of course dependent on whether or not it is able to support a new crown or filling. Some teeth may have more than one root. In this case, your dentist will try to save as many roots as possible. However, further treatment may be required.
Discoloured Tooth Treatment
Because pulp tissue has been removed from the root canal treatment, the deadened dentin may darken over time. There are a few options available to patients suffering from a discoloured tooth following root canal treatment.
Internal Whitening
Internal whitening involves placing a bleaching agent into the pulp chamber inside the tooth. Since the chamber is now empty, the bleaching agent will fill in the gaps and help to prevent the tooth from discolouring. It is a completely safe and effective procedure. Once the bleaching agent has been applied, your dentist will cover it with a cotton pellet. A seal is then required to prevent leakage.
Crown or Veneer
Another effective option is to have a crown or veneer restore the discoloured tooth. By enclosing the tooth, the crown will strengthen the tooth’s structure that remains. Crowns are usually made from porcelain or metal.
At Docklands Dental, we will prepare the perfect fitted and bespoke crown for your tooth. If you are looking for a more permanent solution to a discoloured tooth following endodontic treatment, a crown is probably going to give you your desired results.
Give us a call today to arrange an appointment:
Tel: +353 (0)1 636 0192
Email: hello [@] docklandsdental.ie
