Will a root canal darken my porcelain veneer, so I need a new one? For about a month, I thought I was feeling sinus pressure, but during my last dental exam and cleaning my dentist said I had a periapical abscess. It’s my upper left tooth #12, so if it turns dark, it will be noticeable. My dentist is referring me to an endodontist for a root canal. I have porcelain veneers on eight teeth. Will a root canal darken my veneer? I feel my anxiety worsening just thinking about multiple dental appointments for a root canal and a new veneer. Thanks. Maralina from Austin
Maralina,
We understand your concerns about the effects of root canal treatment on a porcelain veneer tooth. It is unusual for a porcelain veneer tooth to require root canal treatment. We wonder if aggressive tooth preparation for veneers increased the risk of stress on the tooth and the need for root canal treatment. However, getting root canal treatment will prevent the infection from spreading into your bone or affecting other teeth.
Will Root Canal Treatment Darken a Tooth?
Replacing root canal filler material with composite can prevent a porcelain veneer tooth from darkening
Root canal treatment will eventually darken a tooth unless your dentist removes the root canal filling material and cement from the tooth’s crown and replaces it with a light-colored composite. Your dentist can clean the root canal filling material from the portion of your tooth that shows when you smile. Your dentist can take the following steps:
- Insert a white fiberglass post into the tooth
- Fill the tooth with a light-colored composite
- Monitor the tooth and porcelain veneer for color stability
The above method can prevent the tooth behind the porcelain veneer from darkening for five to ten years. During your exam and cleaning appointments, your dentist can monitor the tooth and determine when you need a new porcelain veneer.
By asking your dentist and the endodontist about sedation options, you can anticipate how dental anxiety may affect your upcoming dental appointments.
Sugar Land implant and cosmetic dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post. Read how he strives to give patients some of the best dental care in Sugar Land.