Dangers of Intrinsic Stains

Patients at Alta Loma Dental Care can count on us for all their cosmetic needs, but some tooth stains are beyond the ability of normal cosmetic treatments. Extrinsic stains are those on the outside of a tooth, which are caused by prolonged exposure to dark liquids such as coffee and smoke. They can be treated with bleaching. But intrinsic stains affect the pulp of a tooth, which is sometimes too deep for bleaching to have an effect.

An intrinsic stain could be the result of something that affected the tooth during its formation or of trauma. If the tooth is discolored due to overexposure to something like fluoride or tetracycline antibiotics, it may be covered with a veneer. However, if the pulp is infected, a root canal is necessary to prevent the infection from spreading further and causing the patient a severe tooth ache. The worst dental infections can even cause facial abscesses and sepsis. Once the pulp has been removed and the tooth has been sealed, the doctors and patients can precede with more normal cosmetic restoration, although it is possible that the entire crown will need to be replaced.

If you have questions or concerns about teeth whitening, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.