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Polishing or "buffing" dull teeth?

HealthInfo101Sep 5, 2016
Two of my front teeth are dull because i feel as scuffed the surface of them (They aren't chipped and are structurally fine, no damage... just scuffed and dull). Can the dentist polish the surface of them to make them smooth and shiny again? They tried at my last cleaning to use the rotating tooth brush to polish it but that didnt work... is there some sort of other burr or tool that can polish them?

Answers (2)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Dr. Desiree Yazdan, DDS
Dentist
Answered on Sep 19, 2016
Answer
Dr. Joseph B. Silberman, DMD, FAGD
Dentist
Answered on Sep 7, 2016
Answer

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Patric Cohen, DDS, FAGD

My guess is that the nerve of this tooth is dying. It probably has been changing color and your teeth whitening highlighted the discoloration. The lesion on the gum is probably a fistula. I would advise testing for vitality and possible Root Canal Therapy.

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Leonard Tau, DMD

I agree with the other dentist, I also have not had much success trying to whiten a single dark tooth as a result of trauma. You may have to consider a veneer or crown to correct this condition.  Good luck

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Katherine Blundell, BDS

Hello there! Thank-you for sharing your picture - a professional clean would be a great starting point for you as it is very likely that there is extrinsic stain which can be removed very simply by polishing.  This is a simple, inexpensive and very conservative option.If this...

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