Intrinsic Stains

We provide care for patients’ cosmetic needs at Bridge Smiles Dental Group, but it is important for patients to understand that intrinsic tooth stains need to be treated differently from other kinds. Extrinsic tooth stains are the ones on the surface layer of the teeth that are acquired from what the patient consumes, and they can be removed with bleach, but intrinsic stains may be too deep for whitening to work.

Intrinsic stains may be acquired or caused by the tooth absorbing dark molecules during its formation. The latter usually happens because the tooth was exposed to tetracycline antibiotics or excessive fluoride, and since these stains do not present a health threat, they can simply be covered with veneers. But the former is due to dental pulp inflammation, which results from trauma or infection. An infection could spread, with painful or deadly consequences for the patient, so the inflamed pulp needs to be removed during a root canal. As part of the root canal, the tooth will be filled and sealed, but the tooth may still require a veneer or a new crown afterward for cosmetic satisfaction.

Drs. Meghadri and Grewal run Bridge Smiles Dental Group at 820 US Hwy 202 North Neshanic Station, NJ, and 15 North Bridge ST. Somerville, NJ. To schedule an appointment, visit BridgeSmilesDental.com.