Is Teeth Whitening Appropriate For Teeth With Cavities?

Teeth whitening is a straightforward procedure. However, some dental issues might complicate the teeth whitening process. That leads us to the question, can teeth whitening be performed on teeth filled with cavities? Check out this article for answers.

What Is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment that involves using whitening products to whiten and brighten the teeth’ color either at the dentist’s or by yourself at home. Professional teeth whitening is the best because dentists use stronger whitening.  Moreover, it’s safer to have your teeth whitening at the dentist’s. Teeth bleaching agents have the potential to damage the teeth and gums. However,  a dentist will take the necessary precautions to prevent such damage.

Who Can Get Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is only recommended for people who have healthy teeth and gum tissues without any restorations. The process only lightens teeth color by a few shades; hence is ineffective on badly stained teeth. There are other suitable treatments for this purpose. Pregnant and lactating women, children under 16 years, and people who are allergic to bleaching agents are exempt from whitening. Also, dentists don’t often recommend teeth whitening for people with too many sensitive teeth. You can book an appointment with us at Willow Park Dental if you need a dentist in Calgary, AB, for teeth whitening.

How Do Dentists Perform Teeth Whitening?

After you have booked an appointment with the dentist, you would need to strictly adhere to the guidelines given to you by the dentist before your treatment begins. This is after your dentist has examined your teeth by confirming if you are the right candidate for teeth whitening. Except there are hitches after the first treatment, teeth whitening only requires a single dental appointment. Teeth whitening in Calgary, AB, is not a painful procedure. However, if you are nervous and anxious about the treatment, you can talk to your dentist, who would suggest sedative dentistry to help you relax before and during your teeth whitening treatment. Before the dentist applies the teeth whitening agents on your teeth, a protective shield is positioned on your gums to prevent the whitening agents from having direct contact with your gums. After your gums have been shielded, the dentist will apply the whitening agents and then use a heating lamp for about 20 minutes to allow the whitening gel or agents to get fully absorbed into the teeth.

Can Teeth Whitening Damage My Teeth?

Teeth whitening is a safe and effective procedure. However, teeth whitening can damage your teeth in certain situations. These include:

• Misuse of the whitening products
• Frequent teeth whitening
• Use of unhealthy teeth whitening agents

The damages possible are teeth sensitivity, gum irritations, worn down enamel, and possibilities of teeth fracture. To stay safe from these dental problems, it’s best to get teeth whitening from your dentist. However, if you want to whiten your teeth by yourself at home, you should see a dentist near you for safety tips. They can also recommend home whitening kits that are safe for you

Should I Have My Cavities Filled Before Professional Teeth Whitening?

Yes, you should. It would help if you treated any existing dental condition before going for teeth whitening. Teeth whitening agents can penetrate healthy teeth when misused. It is even worse with damaged teeth as it quickly causes further damage.  This means that you have to treat cavities before whitening your teeth. You can see the dentist for dental fillings, teeth bonding, or other dental treatments for cavities. Teeth whitening is not permanent. You may need to visit the dentist twice or more in a year for the procedure. However, proper maintenance is essential if you want the whitening effects to last long. You should avoid foods that stain the teeth and practice excellent personal hygiene.