A dark tooth restored, looking rather dark compared to others, might create confusion and undue embarrassment. Luckily, knowing the reason behind this and what it is possible to do about it, you will be able to restore your confidence in your smile. In this blog, you will discover why a tooth restored may look dark and the reasons why you should avoid this as well as dental options that can help you to take away the darkness.
Reasons Behind a Darker Restored Tooth
Root Canal Treatment
A previous root canal procedure is one of the major reasons why a restored tooth has a darker look. In a root canal, the nerve within the tooth is extracted so as to prevent its infection or destruction. Though this treatment saves the tooth, it prevents the natural nourishment to the tooth that can result in the tooth becoming darker and darker as the time goes by. This discoloration may also be caused by left out blood or dental materials in the tooth. The tooth may appear significantly darker than other teeth in the vicinity even in a case where the root canal has been performed perfectly.
Exposure to Staining Substances
Restored teeth may as well be stained by normal lifestyle practices just like natural teeth. Frequent intake of coffee, tea, red wine or tobacco smoking introduces colored substances that deposit on enamel and dentin thus leading to discolouration. In some cases, a single tooth can be more exposed to such staining agents, particularly with dental work having slightly different surface texture or composition, which make the tooth appear darker than the rest of your smile.
Dental Fillings and Crowns
Restoration or dental prostheses such as a crown or filler is intended to be the same color as your natural tooth upon insertion. But with time, the crowns constructed using some materials or older fillings may not harmonize well with the natural teeth since they become colored with age or staining. In addition, in case a tooth has been decayed or had been treated a lot prior to the restoration, the tooth structure underneath might darken and would influence the look of a crown or a filling. Dental crowning material can also initially appear as a slight shade difference making a slight difference in your smile.
Tooth Structure and Wear of Enamel
Aging or because of acidic foods, natural enamel may erode, leaving yellowish dentin behind which is darker than enamel. In case the enamel of a restored tooth is thinner or differently treated, this may expose a darker base. This may be opposed to the adjacent teeth which still possess more dense enamel layers and appear whiter. This structural difference in nature may lead to a restoration tooth looking darker even when the surface is not missing.
How to Improve the Appearance of a Dark Restored Tooth
Dental teeth whitening
Normal tooth whitening procedures usually lighten the natural teeth but might not have a total effect on the restored teeth as crowns and fillings do not bleach like the natural teeth. Nevertheless, you can make your natural teeth look whitish which will help decrease contrast and make the restored tooth less prominent. Professional dental teeth whitening services are a safe way of making your teeth look brighter and can be tailored to suit an individual.
Root Canal Teeth Internal Bleaching.
Dentists occasionally provide internal bleaching to teeth that have become darkened following a root canal. This process entails insertion of a bleaching agent in the tooth to make it light on the inside. To give the restoration a more natural look, it is a common choice to simply put the color back to the way it is like your real teeth.
Internal Bleaching for Root Canal Teeth
In case of ineffectiveness or inappropriateness of whitening and internal bleaching, it is possible to change the dental crown or restoration into a more color-appropriate material. Contemporary dental crowns are more attractive and more color consistent, and deliver the appearance of a natural and consistent look of your smile.
Dental Bonding
Another cosmetic treatment is dental bonding in which a resin substance is placed over the tooth surface and molded to conceal discoloration. It is less invasive, and can integrate the tooth with the teeth around it, although it might not be as strong as crowns.
Tips to Prevent Darkening of Restored Teeth
- Good oral hygiene should be maintained by cleaning the mouth two times a day and flossing so as to avoid staining and decay on the sides of restorations.
- Reduce the consumption of staining drinks such as coffee, tea and red wine and tobacco.
- See your dentist often and have professional cleanings done and make sure that your restorations are fine.
- Request your dentist on protective sealants or polishing in order to preserve the color of your restorations.
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Conclusion: Brighten Your Smile with Confidence
Darkened restoration tooth is a widely feared result that is likely to be experienced because of root canal therapy, staining, aging of the material, and anatomical variations. The bad news is that nowadays dental methods can help to whiten the tooth in many different ways, and restore the balance to your smile, whether it is the work of a professional dental tooth whitener, or it is internal bleaching or dental crowning.
When you see that a restored tooth appears darker than the rest, you do not have to think twice and discuss with your dentist the most appropriate cosmetic options that fits you. Your smile needs to be sunny, assured and natural.
Have you used a darkened restored tooth or have you found a way out that helped you? Write your comments and queries on the bottom! The smile that you go through can make other people smile.
