It might seem unlikely, but it is possible to require a root canal treatment even after getting porcelain veneers fitted. It’s scarce to have a porcelain veneer require a root canal treatment, meaning that your dentist may have provided you with crowns instead of veneers. Nevertheless, if you find yourself in this situation, here is all you need to know about protecting a porcelain veneer during a root canal treatment.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers, also known as dental veneers, are thin, custom-colored shells used to cover the front part of the teeth. These veneers are fitted to aesthetically alter the teeth’ color, length, form, and size. Dental veneers are an excellent option to improve your overall appearance and offer you a beautiful smile without the invasiveness of dental implants.

Veneers are typically made of two materials: Porcelain or resin. Porcelain dental veneers are more common and recommended than resin dental veneers because they are more resilient and can resist stains and discoloration. Porcelain veneers also better mimic the natural teeth’s light-reflecting qualities. 

Why Do People Get Porcelain Veneers? 

There are quite a few reasons anyone might want to get porcelain veneers. These include:

• Wanting a more beautiful smile

If you are not satisfied with how your smile looks, getting veneers is a great way to achieve your dream smile. You may simply have a crooked smile or not be pleased with how your teeth are aligned. Getting a dentist’s opinion can help determine if you are fit to get veneers and a smile makeover.

• Cracked or chipped teeth

Teeth can crack or get chipped for numerous reasons, such as obsessively grinding teeth (a common symptom of anxiety), chewing or biting hard foods, and injuries to the mouth such as a punch. If you have cracked teeth for any reason and are displeased with the appearance, you may consider veneers. 

When talking, smiling, or laughing, you may feel embarrassed about your chipped, cracked, or worn-down teeth. Veneers are a great option to get your confidence back and improve your appearance.

• Gaps in Dentition

Some people love and appreciate gaps and spaces between their teeth. However, some people may also dislike them as the gaps may affect how they smile and interact with other people. These people may want to change and fix the gaps in their dentition, thereby opting for porcelain veneers. 

• Tooth discoloration or stains

Lots of things could cause tooth discoloration. From the types of food and beverages you consume to certain illnesses, medication, and even aging, anyone can get discoloration and stains on their teeth.

If you have discoloration, you can speak with a dentist and consider your options. Sometimes, over-the-counter whitening strips, toothpaste, and other products just don’t work, and in cases of severe discoloration, veneers are often the best option.

Why Do People Need a Root Canal Treatment?

A root canal treatment is standard in dental care and is mainly performed when the inner part of the tooth, i.e., the pulp, is injured, inflamed, or infected. This could be due to different causes such as thorough tooth decay resulting from untreated cavities, chips in the tooth, an overload of dental practices on a particular tooth, and a direct injury to the tooth.

This treatment is typically carried out with the help of local anesthesia by a general dentist or endodontist. They will begin by administering an anesthetic near the affected tooth, then follow up by removing the tooth’s pulp through a small opening made with special tools at the tooth.

Next, they’ll clean out all the tooth’s canals, and if it’s needed, the dentist will apply an antibiotic to prevent reinfection. The final stage is to temporarily fill up the tooth with a soft sealant material to protect the canals.

How Can You Protect A Porcelain Veneer During A Root Canal Treatment?

You’re right to be worried about protecting your veneers during root canal treatment. It’s commonly said that a root canal treatment can make your teeth look darker, and considering you’ve gotten translucent veneers, the discoloration will show.

Luckily, this can be prevented. The darkening is often caused by remnants of the soft canal filling material inserted into the tooth during the root canal procedure. The remnants are often trapped in the crown of the tooth, and as such, your dentist will carefully clean out all the filling material from the crown, then place a fiberglass post into the root. 

Finally, they’ll fill the remaining space with a light-colored composite material instead of the former filling material. This will. Keep your porcelain veneers white and in pristine condition for years! If you’re looking for a trusted and capable dentist, Somerville’s finest remains First Dental, where you get access to the best Somerville. Contact us today by calling us at (617) 623-8489 or (781) 395-0300 for more information.