I have a dead tooth next to a chipped tooth. Would you advise Veneers or bonding? (photo)

Question

my dog's tooth hit me in the mouth and chipped the bottom of one of my front teeth and put a hairline crack in the one next to it (the other of my two front teeth). As the years went by it slowly got browner and browner. It's not super dark but it is noticeable. I have heard veneers won't work on a dead tooth as the color difference would show through them because they are translucent. Is this true and if so what would be the best way to go.I want to fix them both along with the others

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

Based on what you've described, I would advise the following:Get a root canal on the chipped tooth and the fractured tooth as well.  Then get crowns on those two teeth with matching veneers on the others.  With the right cosmetic dentist, you could have your teeth fixed in 1 to 2 appointments.  I suggest you go ahead and get started.  Veneers are what I do, so follow me if you have more questions about them.Sarah Thompson, DMD

Michael Tam, BDS · Answer

Unfortunately,
neither bonding nor veneers will be adequate to restore your tooth, since it is
now non-vital (aka “dead.”) Non vital teeth need to be restored with a root
canal in order to prevent destruction of nearby bone, tissues, or abscesses.
After a root canal is completed, then a permanent crown can be placed on the
tooth to ensure that it is structurally functional as well as aesthetically
pleasing.

Norman Huefner, DDS · Answer

First of all, if it a dead tooth and you want to keep it and prevent pain and abscess, you need to have a root canal done on it.  If that hasn't been done, go to your general dentist or a root canal specialist (endodontist) and have the tooth checked.I don't know the source of what you heard about veneers won't work on a dead tooth, as that is absolutely false!  However, there are times when you have a dead tooth that a crown is the best option, instead of a veneer.  It all depends on how much of the tooth structure is there after the cracked part, any fillings and the root canal has been done.  The more good tooth that is missing, the more likely that a crown will be the best solution to your situation.Regarding bonding, it is a great choice if one is dealing with smaller chips.  However, direct composite bonding isn't nearly as strong as porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns.  So although bonding can be done in one visit, it would most likely not last nearly as long as the other two options.If the whole tooth is discolored, then a porcelain veneer or porcelain crown will hide the dark tooth underneath better than a direct composite bonding.  You spoke of translucency, that is one of the things that cosmetic dentists like to put into their porcelain veneers and porcelain crowns, as it matches the color of natural teeth better.  Natural teeth have some translucency.Depending on the color, your cosmetic dentist may choose to use one of the techniques to hide the dark color of the underlying tooth.  He may choose to "block out" the color with composite before placing the veneer, or may choose to use a veneer or crown that is more opaque.

Frank Orlando, DDS · Answer

This is a great question.  First thing I would do is see if the "dark" tooth is actually dead (necrotic) - if it is in fact necrotic, I would recommend getting a root canal to clean out the necrotic nerve.  Next I would recommend internal bleaching for that tooth - I have had great results in getting a significant color change with that method.  After that, it is up to you, if you want ideal esthetics, veneers are the way to go.  If you want to make it look better in a more conservative way, do the bonding first on the chipped tooth and see how things look.  You can always decide later to go through with the veneers.  Best of Luck!

I have a dead tooth next to a chipped tooth. Would you advise Veneers or bonding? (photo)

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Answer: Would you advise Veneers or Bonding

Answer: Would you advise Veneers or Bonding

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I have a dead tooth next to a chipped tooth. Would you advise Veneers or bonding? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Would you advise Veneers or Bonding

Answer: Would you advise Veneers or Bonding

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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.