When the interior of a tooth becomes damaged, this can actually cause the color to change—enamel is actually slightly translucent! This can occur both before and after root canal treatment, but at Liv Endodontics, our team of endodontists offers a way to directly counteract this problem that can’t be solved with traditional whitening. To lighten darkened teeth in Livingston, we apply a safe oxidizing agent inside the tooth to essentially bleach it from within. The process can be adjusted based on the shade of your tooth and may need to be repeated two or three times before we can achieve your desired result.

What Causes Internal Tooth Discoloration?

While most people think stained teeth result from the foods they eat, sometimes discoloration can come from within the tooth itself. There are two main types of tooth discolorations:

Extrinsic discoloration: Extrinsic stains occur on the outside enamel of the tooth and are caused by environmental factors. These discolorations typically respond well to traditional teeth whitening methods.
Intrinsic discoloration: Intrinsic discoloration occurs inside the tooth and often requires professional whitening methods or alternative restorative procedures to reach the internal layer known as dentin.

Because intrinsic discoloration comes from within the tooth, these stains are typically caused by:

Trauma
Medications
Some dental treatments
Aging

A common dental procedure that might cause the inside of the tooth to discolor is a root canal. Even though a root canal is designed to save the natural tooth from extraction, it can sometimes lead to discoloration. This is because removing the tooth’s pulp and the materials used in a root canal can cause the tooth to appear darker as it breaks down over time. A trusted Livingston endodontist can provide you with knowledge and guidance on your next steps forward if your tooth discoloration is a result of internal factors rather than the foods you eat and drink.

Is Internal Bleaching Right For You?

If you have undergone a root canal and are experiencing tooth darkening, internal bleaching might be a great option to achieve a healthy, bright smile. Your endodontist will likely consider the following before recommending internal bleaching to whiten your teeth:

Overall health and wellness
Oral health
Any previous dental treatments you have had
The extent of discoloration you are experiencing

In some cases, internal bleaching might not be an effective option to eliminate tooth discoloration. In these situations, a dental crown or veneer might be recommended to cover the tooth to create a uniform, natural smile. For personalized care and to learn more about internal bleaching to treat your discolored teeth after a root canal, reach out to a trusted Livingston endodontist.

What Are the Steps in Internal Bleaching?

While every patient is unique and requires a treatment plan that is tailored to their specific needs, your internal bleaching procedure will likely follow a standard set of steps, including:

Preparation: The endodontist will create a small hole in the tooth to clean out any old filling material or debris.
Whitening agent: A whitening agent will be injected into the opening of the tooth.
Whitening process: You will likely wait a week or two for the whitening agent to remove the internal discoloration. Your endodontist might repeat this process until your desired results have been achieved.
Final results: Once you have reached your desired level of whitening, your endodontist will permanently seal the tooth and perform any additional restoration procedures you might need to achieve your ideal smile.

Even though internal bleaching is considered a safe and effective method to enhance the brightness of your smile, you might experience some side effects after your procedure, including tooth sensitivity and mild discomfort.

At Liv Endodontics, we understand the importance of a healthy, bright smile in boosting confidence and helping you feel like the best version of yourself. We are here to answer any questions you have about your post-root canal discoloration and assist you in creating a treatment plan that meets your smile goals.

Root Canal FAQs

Do Root Canals Make You Sick?

Back in the 1920s, a dentist named Dr. Weston Price claimed that his research proved that it was better to extract the tooth than perform a root canal. There was just one problem: the study he conducted was poorly designed. In fact, this theory has been disproven numerous times over the last several decades for that very reason. Simply put, root canals do NOT make you sick.

Why Do I Need a Root Canal if My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?

Pain is just one symptom of a severely damaged or infected tooth. Dark discoloration on the tooth and bleeding gums are also warning signs that root canal treatment is needed. So, don’t assume that just because you aren’t in pain that everything is fine!

What Happens if You Wait Too Long for a Root Canal?

If you need a few days to figure out the financial side of your care, request PTO, and arrange for someone to drive you home from your appointment, that’s perfectly fine! However, you shouldn’t wait much longer than that. If you do, then the root of the problem will continue to worsen to the point where the tooth can no longer be saved, and your surrounding teeth and gums are harmed.

How Much Pain is Normal After a Root Canal?

Before the procedure, we will thoroughly numb your mouth so you don’t feel any pain. Of course, this is only temporary, so some soreness once you return home and the numbing agent wears off is to be expected. The good news is that there are several easy ways you can prevent this discomfort from becoming severe, like taking OTC pain medication as directed, placing a cold compress against the outside of your cheek, and sticking to soft foods.

Can Root Canals Be Prevented?

Root canals can usually be prevented, yes! So, if you want to reduce the chances of you needing to come to our office for this emergency dental treatment (or any restorative dental treatment, for that matter) it’s important that you make caring for your smile a priority. That includes brushing for a full two minutes each time, flossing consistently, getting a dental checkup and cleaning semi-annually, and keeping your consumption of added sugar to a minimum.

Can I Take Antibiotics Instead of Getting a Root Canal?

No, antibiotics are not an adequate replacement for root canal treatment. That’s because – although this medication can eliminate infections in other parts of the body – it can’t address tooth infections.

Note: If you are scared of getting a root canal and want to discuss your other treatment options, don’t hesitate to let us know! We’d be happy to answer any questions you have, provide insight on the benefits of root canal therapy, and find out what we can do to make your experience at our office as positive and anxiety-free as possible.

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(973) 577-6500

22 Old Short Hills Rd STE 208
Livingston, NJ 07039

(908) 608-8018

25 Franklin Place Unit 1
Summit, NJ 07901

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Monday	8:45 am – 5:45 pm
Tuesday	8:45 am – 5:45 pm
Wednesday	8:45 am – 5:45 pm

Thursday	8:45 am – 5:45 pm
Friday	8:45 am – 5:45 pm

Monday	8:45 am – 5:45 pm
Tuesday	8:45 am – 5:45 pm
Wednesday	8:45 am – 5:45 pm

Thursday	8:45 am – 5:45 pm
Friday	8:45 am – 5:45 pm

Lightening Darkened Teeth LIVINGSTON

PUTTING THE BRIGHTNESS BACK INTO YOUR SMILE

What Causes Internal Tooth Discoloration?

Is Internal Bleaching Right For You?

What Are the Steps in Internal Bleaching?

Root Canal FAQs

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