Veneer or root canal or both for dying or dead front tooth?

Question

My number nine tooth is changing color it has a yellow tone and I was told that my tooth was either dead or dying because of a trauma. It doesn't have any cavities or decay. The dentists didn't mention anything about needing a root canal. Do I need need a root canal before I get the veneer or will I need it in the future after I get the veneer?

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

Hello Lilian,I would strongly recommend getting the root canal and then a crown on this tooth.  And here is why:Just crowning the tooth will solve the color issue, but when we speak of teeth "dying," we are speaking of the nerve dying.  When nerves are dying, they often cause unpredictable severe pain.  Once they die, the remaining nerve tissue may be a source of infection that eventually leads to you having to have the tooth later root canal'ed or even removed.  In other words, your actual tooth may need to be pulled at a later date.  I would highly recommend getting both the root canal and the crown.  If you follow this advice, you will likely have that crown for at least another 20 years.  Good luck and I hope this helps. Follow me if you have more questions.Sarah Thompson, DMDReal Self 100

Nirav Patel, MDS, PhD · Answer

It is not mandatory at this stage, but better to go with rct followed by veneer / crown to stop further discoloration. 
discolouration is because of dead pulp tissue. So better to clean it by rct and thn go for cosmetic procedure [veneers/crown].

Vicki Borowski, DDS · Answer

The best place to start is with an evaluation by an endodontist to determine if a root canal is necessary. If there is no need for a root canal you may move forward with the veneer to mask out the color.

Thomas Roberts, DDS (retired) · Answer

I would recommend you first consult an endodontist to see if the tooth needs a root canal treatment.  While trauma can result in the need for this type of treatment, the fact that the tooth is darkening does not mean that it absolutely needs the root canal treated.  Sometimes the tooth simply puts more tooth structure into the area of the nerve but the nerve does not die.  A specialist can help you determine if you need this type of treatment.  After that a veneer can be done to improve the color. Good Luck!

Veneer or root canal or both for dying or dead front tooth?

Answers (4)

Answer: Lillian

Answer: Lillian

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Veneer or root canal or both for dying or dead front tooth?

Answers (4)

Answer: Lillian

Answer: Lillian

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Porcelain Veneers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.