Intrinsic Stains

We treat all sorts of cosmetic problems at Bensalem Dentistry, including stains which can’t be removed with regular bleaching. Although most stains on the teeth are due to extrinsic factors, such as smoking or a lifetime of coffee, and some discoloration is due to natural wear to the enamel, there are also stains that are intrinsic to the tooth. These can be covered, but they sometimes indicate an issue that is more than just cosmetic.

The easy intrinsic stains to treat are those which are caused by the tooth having been exposed to dark molecules during its formation. Tetracycline antibiotics and excessive amounts of fluoride can cause a tooth to be black or purplish from its first appearance. But if a formally white tooth turns black, it could be because its pulp has become inflamed from trauma or infection. This will result in a serious tooth ache if we do not perform a root canal, and an infection could spread to the patient’s blood stream or cause a facial abscess. Once the root canal is complete, we can cover the tooth with a veneer or a new crown.

Dr. Michael Eisenbrock runs Bensalem Family Dentistry at 3554 Hulmeville Road, Suite 111, Bensalem, Pennsylvania, 19020. To schedule an appointment, call 215-874-4042 or visit BensalemDentistry.com and fill out a contact sheet.