Can People with Tooth Decay Get Teeth Whitening Treatments

Tooth decay and teeth whitening treatments simply do not mix. The bleaching agents used for the treatment weaken enamel. That can lead to discomfort and damage to teeth structures if the patient has existing issues like cavities. If the patient’s teeth are healthy, the procedure only leads to temporary increased teeth sensitivity that should go away within a few days. Teeth whitening treatments have gained a lot of popularity in recent years due to how drastically they can enhance the way a person’s smile looks.

Exploring why teeth whitening treatments should not be performed on decayed teeth

Teeth whitening treatments are done using compounds with bleaching properties like hydrogen peroxide and hydrogen carbamide. These chemicals penetrate past enamel into the dentin, removing stains from deep within teeth and their exterior. The process puts a lot of strain on the outer protective layer of teeth known as the enamel and the result is often increased teeth sensitivity that subsides in a couple of days.

When a tooth has already been damaged, the bleaching agent used for whitening treatments can get into the tooth’s pulp, leading to irritation, pain, and discomfort. In some cases, permanent damage might be done to teeth structures.

The solution

Dentists usually recommend fixing tooth decay before proceeding with whitening treatments. Options that might be recommended to patients with decayed teeth who are interested in whitening treatments include:

  • Fillings: Silver amalgam fillings are the traditional way of addressing tooth decay and they remain the most affordable option. However, this approach is not the most aesthetically pleasing and the patient might end up with pearly white teeth with dark spots on their biting surfaces.
  • Composite bonding: This is typically a more appropriate way to fill up cavities and other damage caused by tooth decay. The composite can be color-matched with the shade of white being targeted for their teeth whitening treatment, so it does not ruin the way the person’s smile looks.
  • Cosmetic restorations: A dentist might recommend dental crowns and other restorations like onlays and inlays when there is severe damage to the patient’s teeth. Whitening treatments have no effect on restorations like crowns so dentists often prefer to install them after whitening their patients’ teeth. A temporary solution like fillings can be used to protect the patient’s teeth for the whitening procedure.

Once all existing dental issues the patient is dealing with have been addressed, preparations can begin for the patient’s teeth whitening treatment. Customized mouth trays are typically used for professional whitening treatments, so an impression of the patient’s mouth is taken. This can be done by having the person bite into a mold or by making a model of their teeth with digital images. The mold or data is sent to a lab that makes mouth trays. It should be ready in two weeks so the patient can start their whitening treatments.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening in McLean, VA

Explore teeth whitening

Teeth whitening treatments can make your teeth whiter than they ever have been. Call or stop by our McLean clinic to learn more about the process.

Request an appointment or call Oak Tree Dental at 703-763-5239 for an appointment in our McLean office.

Recent Posts

Find A Dentist For Professional Teeth Whitening

Though it is possible to find teeth whitening products at major retailers and pharmacies, whitening will be more successful when done by a professional dentist. There are a number of things on the market, such as strips, trays, pens, and more, and though these are affordable at-home services, the results are drastically different from professional…

How Teeth Whitening Treatments Work

Teeth whitening treatments get you whiter teeth in as little as 60 minutes. These treatments are performed under the supervision of a dentist, and the American Academy for Cosmetic Dentistry states a treatment session can improve the color of a person’s teeth by up to eight shades.Over-the-counter teeth whitening alternatives typically provide a cheaper alternative,…

Are Teeth Whitening Treatments Effective On All Types Of Stains

Teeth whitening treatments can get you the pearly set of white teeth you have always wanted. It is an effective way to get rid of most types of stains and discoloration like those caused by the coloring agents in the things you eat and drink, habits like smoking, and the yellowing effect of aging on…

Oak Tree Dental

Share
Published by
Oak Tree Dental

Recent Posts

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Having dental implants can correct tooth loss, which is the primary reason for getting these…

5 days ago

Tips for Finding a Good Invisalign Dentist

Invisalign® clear aligners are a great dental alternative to more traditional teeth-straightening methods such as…

1 week ago

3 Key Benefits of Dental Implants

Those missing teeth and seeking a way to restore their smile should consider dental implants.…

2 weeks ago

Common Questions About Dental Implants

Dental implants are a popular and effective treatment option for missing teeth. However, it can…

3 weeks ago

Tooth Colored Fillings FAQs

Having tooth-colored fillings is always better than amalgam fillings. Switching to these natural-looking fillings will…

3 weeks ago

What You Need to Know About Dental Implants

As a patient considering dental implants, there are some important things that you need to…

4 weeks ago