Teeth whitening treatments are widely accessible, but anyone with active tooth decay, or cavities, should not apply any whitening product. Attempting to whiten compromised teeth can lead to significant discomfort and potentially long-term damage. Therefore, a professional dental consultation is mandatory before beginning any aesthetic treatment. Your dentist must confirm a healthy foundation before you move forward with cosmetic procedures.
The Immediate Risks of Whitening Decayed Teeth
Applying bleaching agents to decayed teeth creates a direct pathway for the chemicals to penetrate the inner tooth structure. Since the hard outer layer of enamel is compromised by the cavity, the whitening solution bypasses protection much faster than in a healthy tooth. This rapid penetration leads to immediate and extreme sensitivity or pain, as the chemicals irritate the dentin and the soft dental pulp.
The pulp contains the nerves and blood vessels, and exposure to the bleaching solution can cause inflammation, a condition known as pulpitis. A tooth with an existing cavity is far more susceptible to painful, lasting irritation than a healthy tooth, often requiring further dental intervention. Furthermore, the chemical agents can exacerbate the existing decay process or cause the compromised tooth structure to break down more quickly.
Beyond the physical danger, using whiteners on decayed teeth can also result in highly uneven aesthetic results. The porous, demineralized areas of the cavity may absorb the bleaching agent differently than the healthy enamel, leading to a splotchy or uneven color. An untreated cavity becomes even more noticeable against the newly whitened tooth structure, drawing more attention to the problem area.
Necessary Steps Before Any Whitening Treatment
The firm rule in cosmetic dentistry is that all active disease must be treated before aesthetic procedures begin. This process starts with a comprehensive dental examination, including diagnostic X-rays to identify all areas of decay. A dentist must confirm that the entire mouth is free of active decay, gum disease, or structural issues like cracks and chips.
Once all cavities are identified, they must be treated and sealed with fillings or other necessary restorations. The tooth must be structurally sound and completely sealed to prevent bleaching agents from reaching the sensitive inner pulp tissue. Treating the decay first ensures the tooth is healthy enough to safely withstand the chemical process of whitening.
The tooth must be completely restored and healthy before chemical treatment is considered. While permanent restorations are generally preferred, a dentist may sometimes use a temporary filling if whitening is planned immediately after the initial repair. This mandatory sequence ensures the comfort and long-term health of the tooth, establishing that treatment must always precede aesthetics.
Addressing Restorations and Fillings
A crucial consideration for anyone planning to whiten their smile is that existing dental restorations will not change color. Materials like composite fillings, crowns, and veneers are made from non-porous resins or ceramic that do not react to bleaching agents. Only the natural tooth enamel will lighten during the procedure.
This difference means that if you whiten your natural teeth, any existing restorations will remain their original, often darker, shade. This results in a noticeable color mismatch, where the filling or crown stands out against the brighter surrounding tooth. If the natural teeth are whitened, the existing restorations may need replacement to match the new shade.
If a tooth requires a new restoration, the whitening process should be completed first to achieve the final desired shade. After whitening, the dentist typically advises waiting approximately two weeks for the new color to stabilize. This waiting period allows the dental team to accurately match the color of the new filling or crown to the final shade of your whitened teeth, ensuring a seamless and uniform result.