Dental veneers are a popular choice, embraced by people worldwide. They can address multiple aesthetic issues like dental misalignment and severe discoloration. Therefore, people often get their hopes up high and wonder, “Can you get veneers with rotten teeth?” No, because these thin shells called veneers are designed to mask your teeth’s appearance rather than fixing the underlying issues.
Why Can’t You Get Veneers for Rotten Teeth?
Veneers don’t cause your teeth to rot underneath if they are placed correctly. However, if your teeth are already damaged, they can get worse. Dentists aim to restore your dental health rather than just masking them. Therefore, dentists won’t recommend doing it. Here are some more reasons why you shouldn’t get veneers for rotten teeth:
- Veneers Improve Appearance, Not Health: They fix minor cosmetic issues like chips, gaps, or stains but don’t treat decay or other dental problems.
- Decay Needs Treatment: Cavities, gum disease, or any tooth decay must be addressed before getting veneers. This may involve removing decay and restoring the tooth.
- Risk of Intense Problems: Covering a decayed tooth with a veneer can trap bacteria, leading to infection, pain, or tooth loss.
- Chances of Veneer Failure: Decay under a veneer can cause it to loosen or fail, requiring removal.
- Presence of Better Alternatives: Crowns provide both protection and a natural look for weak or damaged teeth. An implant may be the best option if the tooth can’t be saved.
Treatment Process for Rotten Teeth Before Veneers
Treating dental decay before getting veneers involves the following steps:
- Dental Examination: The dentist checks your teeth and gums, using X-rays to find decay, infections, or other problems.
- Decay Treatment: Any decayed areas are removed, and the tooth may need a filling or a root canal for severe cases.
- Restoration: The tooth is rebuilt to restore its shape and function, sometimes with a dental crown for added strength.
- Impression and Customization: After treatment, the dentist takes impressions to create custom veneers that match your teeth in shape, size, and color.
- Veneer Placement: The dentist bonds the veneers to the teeth, making sure they fit well and look natural. Minor adjustments may be made for comfort and appearance.
Do Teeth Rot Under Veneers?
Teeth usually don’t decay under veneers if they are applied correctly and maintained. However, decay can still happen around or behind them. Since veneers only cover the front of the teeth, the back and sides remain exposed to bacteria, acids, and sugars that cause cavities.
Plaque can build up on veneers, increasing the risk of gum disease. If the veneers are not bonded properly, food and bacteria can get trapped between the veneer and the tooth, leading to decay. Poor oral hygiene and a sugary diet can also maximize this problem.
Closing Note
If you are still wondering if you can get veneers for rotten teeth, you must drop the idea for now and visit your dentist to get treatment for dental decay. The most important thing is visiting your dentist twice yearly to prevent cavities or other dental issues.
Visit our skilled dental professionals at Noble Smile Family Dentistry for top-notch cosmetic dentistry solutions. Call us at (281) 394-2929 to schedule an appointment.
