Shindang-dong Discolored Front Tooth Crown Treatment: Bareunyoung Dental Esthetic Prosthesis Case

Shindang-dong Discolored Front Tooth Crown Treatment Case

Hello.

I am Dr. Kim Tae-young, the head director of Bareunyoung Dental in Shindang-dong, where the head director directly explains treated cases.

Why do previously treated teeth appear dark?

Some patients visit us because their teeth appear darker than others a long time after receiving treatment.

Typically, this happens when the nerve of a front tooth has died or when discoloration occurs due to internal materials after root canal treatment, causing the tooth to appear dark over time.

In some cases, after a front tooth root canal, patients may not receive prosthetic treatment, i.e., a crown.

Is prosthetic treatment always necessary after a root canal?

As mentioned earlier, there are a few reasons why prosthetic treatment might not be performed after a root canal in the front tooth area:

• If the tooth is too small.
• If there isn't enough space for a prosthesis due to crowded teeth.
• If there is severe root inflammation and the symptoms need to be monitored.

Except for the cases above, we recommend prosthetic treatment after a root canal.

Although some may argue that front teeth do not bear much force and thus do not require prosthetic treatment, root canal-treated teeth are vulnerable to fracture, and discoloration is aesthetically undesirable.

Therefore, from a long-term perspective, I believe it is best to create an esthetic crown.

My previously treated tooth looks dark.

This patient received a root canal on their front tooth a long time ago.

There was also plaque buildup around the tooth, indicating a need for gum treatment.

Over time after treatment, the tooth appeared dark due to discoloration of the internal material and contamination of the filling material in the access cavity created for the root canal.

Since no root inflammation was observed on the X-ray, we decided to thoroughly remove the internally contaminated area, refill it with new material, and then fabricate the prosthesis.

The areas indicated by arrows have thin tooth thickness, so the discolored part might show through the crown later, making it appear dark. If possible, in such cases, whitening treatment may be necessary before prosthesis fabrication.

The image above shows tooth whitening treatment for a discolored tooth.

(Non-vital tooth bleaching)

Steps for matching tooth color

To cover the dark areas, it was necessary to compare various shades and make adjustments.

When fabricating an esthetic prosthesis for a front tooth, matching a single tooth perfectly to the surrounding existing teeth is challenging, and there are definite limitations in meeting all surrounding conditions.

Fortunately, the surrounding teeth had ordinary characteristics, which I believe contributed to the good outcome.

Although the existing prostheses in other areas showed exposed teeth and were old, the patient had no particular symptoms, so we will help them maintain them for a long time through regular check-ups.^^

Before and After Photos Comparison

Thus, prosthetic treatment for front teeth involves not only functional but also esthetic factors, meaning several elements influence the treatment decision.

Today, we explored why front teeth discoloration occurs at #ShindangdongDental and what kind of esthetic prosthetic treatment is performed in such cases.

I hope your questions have been answered, and I look forward to sharing more beneficial posts in the future.

Thank you.^^

Treatment Start: 2024.04.08

Treatment End: 2024.04.29

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We believe that proper treatment leads to proper results. My ideal dental clinic is one where everyone who visits with worries can leave feeling reassured and confident. - Bareunyoung Dental

Directions: 2nd floor, JYJ Building, 179 Dongho-ro, Jung-gu. Right in front of Exit 6 of Yaksu Station, towards Yaksu Market. Use Village Bus 5 (Yaksu Station), Village Bus 12 (Namsan Town, Yaksu Police Station), or bus stops (Yaksu Heights, Shindang Social Welfare Center, Gaon Library, Kumho Tunnel Entrance) from Yuyu Pharmaceutical towards Kumho Station.

This post was written directly by Bareunyoung Dental for the purpose of providing medical information and hospital advertising (in compliance with Article 56, Paragraph 1 of the Medical Act). The photos are of the same patient, and treatment methods and other side effects (pain, prosthesis detachment) may vary for each patient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do previously treated front teeth become discolored?

Yes, if the nerve has died in the past or if discoloration occurs due to internal materials after root canal treatment, the tooth may appear dark over time. Contamination of internal materials can also be a cause.

Is prosthetic treatment always necessary after a front tooth root canal?

Generally, it is recommended. Cases where prosthetic treatment is not performed after a root canal are exceptional, such as when the tooth is too small, there is insufficient space for a prosthesis, or there is severe root inflammation.

Why is a crown needed for a root canal-treated front tooth?

Yes, root canal-treated teeth are susceptible to fracture, and discoloration is aesthetically undesirable. Therefore, from a long-term perspective, it is best to create an esthetic crown.

How is tooth color matched for an esthetic front tooth prosthesis?

To cover dark areas, it is necessary to compare various shades and make adjustments. We strive to achieve natural results by matching the color and characteristics of the surrounding existing teeth.

How long does front tooth discoloration crown treatment take?

In this case, the treatment started on April 8, 2024, and ended on April 29, 2024. The duration may vary depending on the patient's condition.