Can You Whiten Teeth With Cavities?

Are you considering teeth whitening to achieve a brighter, more dazzling smile? While teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental treatment for tooth discoloration, it’s essential to understand whether it’s suitable for individuals with cavities. In this blog post, we will explore the relationship between teeth whitening, cavities, and dental restorations such as crowns and veneers and discuss the potential risks and necessary precautions to ensure a safe and effective whitening experience. So, before you embark on your journey to a whiter smile, your Fairview dentist will delve into the crucial question: can you whiten teeth with cavities?

Is It Necessary to Fill Cavities Prior to Professional Teeth Whitening?

Cavities and teeth whitening do not mix. So it’s necessary and highly recommended to fill cavities before professional teeth whitening. Cavities, if left untreated, can cause further dental issues and may cause pain or sensitivity during the whitening process. Doing so will ensure the discoloration from the tooth decay will be removed and that no further damage will occur during the procedure.

It’s important to remember that professional whitening treatments are designed specifically for cosmetic purposes only – they won’t fix any underlying oral health issues like cavities or tooth decay. To ensure your smile stays healthy and bright for years to come, you should always consult with a dentist about filling any cavities before undergoing teeth whitening treatment.

Potential Risks of Whitening Teeth with Untreated Cavities

It’s important to consider the potential hazards associated with brightening your smile before any cosmetic treatment if you have untreated dental caries. Teeth whitening treatments are usually conducted using hydrogen peroxide, which can cause further decay and damage to teeth with cavities, lead to sensitivity to hot and cold foods or beverages, and may lead to severe pain and discomfort. This means that it is essential to get these cavities filled before having a teeth whitening procedure.

Suppose you are considering getting your teeth whitened but have untreated cavities. In that case, it is absolutely vital that you make an appointment with your dentist first to discuss whether or not this type of treatment would be suitable for you. The most common form of treatment to treat a cavity is a dental filling, and once complete, you can proceed with the whitening treatment.

Dental care should always come first when considering any cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening, and ensuring that all existing tooth decay has been appropriately treated is key before proceeding with anything else.

Who Should Not Get Teeth Whitening?

If you’re considering brightening your smile, it’s important to consider who shouldn’t undergo teeth whitening treatments.

  • Teeth with untreated cavities or decay can be sensitive and vulnerable to the bleaching products used in whitening treatments. This means that people with cavities should speak with a professional before attempting whitening methods.
  • Young children may also not be good candidates for teeth whitening because their teeth are still developing.
  • Individuals experiencing severe gum recession, gum disease, or heightened tooth sensitivity should avoid teeth whitening procedures. Additionally, those with oral cancer and pregnant women are advised not to undergo teeth whitening treatments as a precautionary measure.
  • In case you have sensitive teeth, it is important to inform your dentist, as this may disqualify you from teeth whitening procedures. Moreover, if you have a peroxide allergy, teeth whitening will not be an option, as peroxide is the primary active ingredient in most whitening systems.
  • Individuals with numerous fillings, dental bonding, or crowns may not be suitable candidates for teeth whitening. This is because restorations do not react to the whitening process, potentially leading to an uneven appearance after treatment. If you are contemplating whitening and have not yet undergone restorative procedures, it is advisable to complete the whitening treatment prior to any restoration work.

Whiten Your Teeth Safely

Maintaining the health of your teeth and gums is essential for a stunning smile. It is recommended to consult with your dentist in Fairview regarding teeth whitening and overall oral health. They will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth to identify any potential issues, such as decayed teeth, failing fillings, or gum disease. Based on their findings, you may require additional treatments before using whitening products. Once your smile is in optimal health, your dentist will develop a personalized plan to rejuvenate your smile with Zoom Teeth Whitening.

If you decide to use an over-the-counter teeth whitening product, follow the directions carefully. You want to make sure that you are using enough of the product so that it will be effective but not too much that it will damage your enamel. You will also want to avoid products with high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, which can irritate your gums and lead to more severe health problems if misused.

When it comes to giving yourself a brighter smile, safety should always be paramount. Be aware of any potential risks associated with any treatment and consult a professional if needed before trying anything new.

What To Expect During Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening treatments are relatively simple procedures that can be done in the comfort of your home or at a dental office. Depending on the severity of the staining and discoloration, more than one treatment may be necessary. If you decide to go with in-office whitening such as Zoom whitening, your dentist will first prep your mouth to protect your lips and gums during the Zoom whitening procedure and apply a layer of advanced Zoom whitening gel to your teeth.

With Zoom teeth whitening, the whitening process is broken down into three 10-minute phases. During the first phase, your teeth are exposed to a special lamp, which triggers the special whitening compounds in the Zoom gel. Once you’ve reached your desired shade, we’ll finish the procedure by applying our post-treatment gel, which will help protect your tooth enamel and reduce sensitivity.

How Long Does The Whitening Treatment Last?

The effects of teeth whitening can last for months, depending on the type of whitening and how well you take care of your teeth. After each treatment session, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene habits by brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once daily to remove any plaque buildup around the gums that could cause irritation or infection. For healthy teeth, you should also limit sugary snacks and drinks that could lead to tooth decay which will eventually discolor your teeth again if left unchecked.

Achieve a Whiter Smile Today

You’ve heard it all: do you really need to fill your cavities prior to professional teeth whitening? The answer is yes. Whitening your teeth with untreated cavities can be risky, and may lead to further damage of the enamel or even nerve pain. But don’t worry – you can still whiten your teeth safely if you follow a few simple steps.

If you’re in the Fairview Allen, TX area and have questions about professional teeth whitening, want whiter teeth and want to schedule an appointment, then contact Sloan Creek Dental in Fairview, TX. You can reach us at our Fairview, TX dental office to schedule an appointment online or call us at 972-468-1440.