Around 80% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 49 wish they could have a whiter smile. As such, it’s probably no surprise that teeth whitening is a highly popular cosmetic dentistry procedure. But before you can undergo the treatment, your dentist will need to check your grin for signs of decay. Any cavities you have should be treated before you begin teeth whitening; your dentist is here to explain why.
Why Do You Need to Have Cavities Treated Before Teeth Whitening?
The teeth whitening process involves a special gel that contains bleaching agents such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. These agents penetrate the teeth in order to get rid of the molecules that are causing discoloration, thus brightening your smile.
However, this means that the agents enter the inner layers of the tooth where nerve endings are present. In healthy teeth, this can lead to increased sensitivity for a while. But if the teeth are already damaged due to tooth decay, the agents could cause significant pain and discomfort, and they could even inflict permanent harm.
What Can You Do If You Have Cavities?
Fortunately, even if you have a cavity, you can still potentially be a candidate for teeth whitening once your tooth decay has been treated. In many cases, the issue can be resolved with a tooth-colored filling; your dentist can remove the decayed parts of the tooth, then replace them with long-lasting, lifelike composite resin.
Other treatments may be needed depending on the severity of the situation. If the decay has reached the pulp of the tooth, you may require root canal treatment. This procedure will save the tooth and prevent the damage from spreading any further. A crown will be placed on the tooth afterward to protect it from further harm.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Once your teeth are healthy again, your dentist can determine whether teeth whitening is a good option for you. Bear in mind that professional whitening can come in two forms: in-office treatments and take-home whitening kits. An in-office whitening treatment can help you achieve dazzling results in just one appointment. A take-home whitening kit will typically take longer, but it allows you to carry out the whitening process in the comfort of your own home.
Have you been thinking of enhancing your own grin with teeth whitening? If so, get in touch with your dentist so that they can evaluate the health of your mouth; they’ll help you figure out whether there are any problems that need to be addressed before you can focus on making your dream smile a reality.
About the Author
Dr. Sheri McIntosh studied dentistry at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She holds membership with the North Texas Dental Society and other organizations. She is proud to provide restorative treatments for decayed teeth as well as cosmetic dentistry options such as teeth whitening. To schedule a consultation with Dr. McIntosh at Distinguished Dental in Fort Worth, visit her website or call (817) 337-8300.