Overview
If you have experienced any type of trauma to a tooth then there is a chance that your tooth could become discolored. When the teeth are injured or damaged in any way, the dentin will become stained with blood. This happens much like a bruise due to your tooth bleeding internally after the injury. When this happens, your dentin will become discolored and lead to darkening of your entire tooth. Sometimes, the tooth will get better post injury while in other cases; it will just keep getting darker, ranging from a mild gray to a blackish color. Let us now check out what are the treatment options for the tooth discoloration after trauma or injury.
Teeth Whitening
The teeth whitening can help your tooth to return to its original color. However, you should not start whitening your teeth without first getting the tooth evaluated by your dentist. This is because the inner pulp of your tooth may be actually dead and need to be removed. This means you will need a root canal. During your visit, your dentist can perform some tests on your tooth for determining if the root is still alive. If it is then your dentist will suggest waiting for another few weeks or months to see if the color comes back on its own. However if your tooth continues to be dark of become darker then you can talk with your dentist about getting a professional whitening done which will help to restore your appearance.
Dental whitening will lighten the teeth and helps to remove the stains and discoloration. It is among the most popular cosmetic dental procedures which can greatly improve how your teeth will look. Most dentists perform dental whitening which is not a one-time procedure but will need to be repeated from time to time if you want to maintain the brighter color.
Root Canal
If the root of your tooth is dead, removing the affected pulp which has been stained will help to reverse the darkening of your tooth. This is because it will remove the stained area inside your tooth will help the tooth naturally become whiter. However, you will only need a root canal when your tooth is actually dead. Any inner pulp which is dead or infected should be removed by an experienced dentist of in some cases an endodentist, a dentist who specializes in root canals. Your tooth may die after the injury and need a root canal before any whitening can be done. Providentially, whitening may not be even required once the affected tooth has been treated successfully with a root canal.
The root canal is a treatment for repairing and saving a badly damaged or infected tooth instead of removing it. This procedure involves removing the damaged area of the tooth, the pulp and cleaning and disinfecting it then filling and sealing it. The most common causes that affect the pulp are a cracked tooth, repeated dental treatment to the tooth, a deep cavity or trauma to it. The term root canal comes from cleaning of the canals inside the tooth’s root. Decades ago this was painful but today with the dental advances and local anaesthetics most people have little if any pain with it.
Crown or Veneer
If your tooth is still alive but doesn’t return to its normal color within six months then a crown or veneer is required for helping to restore your tooth’s color. Ceramic or porcelain crowns and veneers can help to cover your tooth and normalize its appearance. After receiving a veneer or crown, your tooth will be indistinguishable from the other teeth in your mouth. You may not need any cosmetic dentistry done if a root canal or whitening can be done in its place.
Bottom line
Talk with your dentist about what are the treatment options for an injured tooth which has suddenly turned gray. Simple whitening could also help your darkened tooth or may be a root canal is required for relieving any infection and restoring your tooth’s color. Trust a professional dentist to help you get your smile back irrespective of how your tooth got injured or had a trauma.
