Your Tooth Is Turning Dark: What It Means and What You Can Do

Most of us can recognize healthy teeth: we know to look for a range from pearly white to a whitish-yellow. But if you’re experiencing a darkening tooth beyond normal yellowing, you may very well have reason to be concerned. A darkened or black tooth should not be ignored; they can be a symptom of dental disease, or trauma. We’ll discuss what the different reasons behind a dark tooth can mean, as well as what you and your dentist can discuss, depending on the reason for damage.

Damage:

The most common cause of a black tooth is damage to the teeth. There are two types of damage: extrinsic and intrinsic:

·         Extrinsic: Damage from the outside of the teeth, like injury, wearing down tartar, staining

·         Intrinsic: Damage begins on the inside of the teeth, like decay, damage, and staining

Staining:

Staining is technically the result of damage to the teeth, whether that is from cavities, dental restoration, the consumption of certain medications, tartar build up, or the use of tobacco. Staining can be extrinsic or intrinsic as well, and both can lead to a darkened tooth.

Question: I’ve experienced trauma on certain teeth and I’ve noticed them darkening. How long will it take my teeth to turn black?

The good news is that darkening from staining occurs over time, and it won’t happen over night. Ideally, a dentist can intervene to prevent further darkening from staining.

Injury

If you have experienced injuries to the teeth, such an accident that has knocked the tooth loose or caused bleeding, then there is typically nerve damage to the teeth or intrinsic bleeding, which causes them to darken or become discolored. Baby teeth typically lighten over the span of 6 months and aren’t as worrisome since permanent teeth will eventually come in. If a permanent tooth is injured, it can begin to darken at any time, meaning years and years down the line. In the case that a permanent tooth darkens, it might be dead from lack of nerves, requiring root canal therapy or possibly an implant. Other times, the tooth might heal after an injury, or just be slightly discolored but still alive.

Question: What are my treatment options?

·         Teeth whitening: Discuss with your dentist whether you have extrinsic or intrinsic trauma. Only your dentist can determine whether the tooth is still alive or not. Extrinsic damage can undergo whitening treatments, but you’ll likely need a professional whitening to restore your appearance.

·         Root canal: If your tooth is dead, your dentist might recommend removing the affected pulp that has been stained, dead, or infected inside your teeth. This will help your teeth become whiter. A follow-up whitening treatment likely won’t be needed if the root canal is successful!

·         Crown/Veneer: If your tooth is alive and refusing to return to its normal color after six months, you may decide with your dentist on a crown or veneer to normalize your tooth’s appearance. Cosmetic dentistry is usually the last option, since whitening and root canals target discoloration and damage extrinsically and intrinsically.

If you’re experiencing a darkening tooth, visit Carolina Dental Choice today. We will test whether your damage is extrinsic or intrinsic, and from there provide you a treatment plan suited for your teeth and individual needs. Carolina Dental Choice is ready to help you achieve the smile you want!