Teeth Whitening or Treating a Cavity: Getting Priorities in Order

In life, you have many decisions to make based on your priorities. While some issues are more important to you than others, relieving pain usually tops the list. However, when presented with two problems, but you don’t feel pain, you can easily get your priorities mixed up and favor appearance over health. For example, if you would like to whiten your teeth, you may wish to proceed even if you have a small cavity you can’t really feel. In the moment, having a brighter smile may seem more important, but continue reading to learn why teeth whitening and cavities make a dangerous combination!

How Cavities React to Teeth Whitening

A cavity or tooth decay occurs when the enamel (the tough protective layer on the outside) erodes from mouth acids. Whether due to overconsumption of sugar, acidic foods or drinks, or from hygiene neglect, these acids wear down this essential dental shield, penetrating the more sensitive layers beneath.

Currently, the most common active ingredient in professional teeth whitening is hydrogen peroxide, which can trigger sensitivity even in teeth free of decay. When it comes into contact with a cavity, this peroxide can cause significant discomfort deeper inside the tooth structure.

Good Candidates for Teeth Whitening

To avoid this unnecessary pain, your dentist will make sure this cosmetic treatment is right for you. After discussing your goals and preferences, they will examine your mouth, checking for cavities, gum disease, and other problems that might interfere with or take priority over teeth whitening. Should they find nothing more pressing, you should be able to move forward with brightening your smile.

Step 1: Fix and Restore the Tooth

However, if your dentist identifies a cavity, they must address this by removing the decayed structure and placing a restoration, which could either be a filling or a crown. These days, fillings and crowns are shaded to match the tooth and the surrounding ones. Keep in mind in this case, you would probably want to opt for a whiter shade for your restoration to make that part blend in better with your whitened teeth later. After all, the restoration will not respond to bleach like enamel.

Step 2: Choose Whitening Method

Once the tooth is whole again, you have two options for whitening your teeth: take-home whitening kits or in-office treatment. Take-home kits, although similar to over-the-counter whitening kits, consist of professional-grade solution, which means they will make a substantially greater difference in the final results. Also, they come with trays that are custom-made for your unique teeth, ensuring an even coating and more consistent whitening throughout your smile.

Your other option for professional whitening is having the treatment performed in your dentist’s office. This procedure requires just one appointment, but it gives you the same dramatic results as the take-home kits in just one hour.

Although your smile’s appearance does matter, you need to address your oral health first. If you have a cavity, it’s safer and more comfortable if you correct this issue before moving on to teeth whitening.

About the Practice

Applegate Dental PLLC has highly trained and experienced dentists on staff, which means we can handle treatment as advanced as dental implant placement and more. However, we also enjoy delivering outstanding care with simple treatment like preventive care, restorative services, and teeth whitening. If you are interested in teeth whitening or another cosmetic dental procedure, reach out to us online or call our West Seneca office at 716-668-4646 to schedule an appointment.