Intrinsic Stains

Does getting tooth stains removed require you to undergo a root canal? In certain cases, it may. At Bishop & Bishop Dental, we treat our patients with the highest quality of care, and that includes addressing the health concerns underlying a cosmetic issue. That’s why we want our patients to understand what an intrinsic stain is.
Extrinsic stains are those on the surface of the teeth which are caused by what the patient consumes over a long time—dark colas and red wine, smoke, and coffee, for example. These are easy to remove with bleach. But intrinsic stains are caused by something affecting the dental pulp. This could be overexposure to fluoride or tetracycline antibiotics during the tooth’s formation, but if the stain shows up after the tooth’s development, it is probably due to inflamed tissue.
Dental pulp becomes inflamed due to trauma or infection, and it will not heal on its own. While bonding could conceal an intrinsic stain, an infection threatens the patient’s well-being, and possibly their life, so the pulp must be removed through a root canal. Once the tooth has been filled and sealed, our doctors can determine whether it needs to be bonded or given a new crown.
David Bishop, DDS and Dorienne Taylor-Bishop, DDS, operate Bishop & Bishop Dental at 8830 Cameron St, #504, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20910. To set up an appointment, call 301-608-9270 or visit Bishop Dental and fill out a contact sheet.