Is it safe to get a root canal treatment when you have porcelain veneers? I’m hoping it won’t damage them. I really like my smile now. I don’t know for sure, I just know there’s been some pain in one of my teeth. The last time I had a tooth feel like this it required a root canal treatment. I’m not sure what to do.
Kelly
Dear Kelly,
The first thing I’d like you to do is to see your dentist and have the tooth in pain evaluated. It may be nothing, but if it is you don’t want to leave it until it becomes a dental emergency. It is always much easier to treat something early on.
A root canal treatment can be done, even with porcelain veneers. It’s fairly simple to open a path to the canal of the tooth at the back of the tooth. This won’t affect the veneer at all. What you have to beware of is whether or not the tooth behind the veneer will turn dark, which can sometimes happen after a root canal treatment.
Fortunately, there is a way to prevent this. You just have to find a dentist who understands the right procedure.
Keeping a Tooth White After a Root Canal
Before agreeing to a root canal treatment, you’re going to test the dentist by following these instructions.
1. First, ask your dentist if the darkening of the tooth can be prevented. If he says yes, you can move on to the next part of the test. If he says no, he’s already failed.
2. Once you find a dentist who says the darkening can be prevented, ask him how. He or she should answer they will make sure any gutta percha and other root canal filling materials are cleaned out of the inside of the crown of the tooth.
3. If they say that, you’re in good shape and the dentist has a good knowledge of keeping this a true color for you. If they don’t say that, consider them failed. Whatever you do, don’t try to teach them about what you were listening for.
You want a dentist who cares enough about his or her patients to keep up with their continuing education and learn these developed techniques.
A dentist may try to insist on a dental crown to keep it from breaking. If it is a front tooth, either incisor or canine, a crown will actually weaken your tooth, not strengthen it. What you need instead, is a dental post. They’ll need to provide you with a flexible whitish post.
This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Dentist Dr. Jerome Cha.
