You have a smile that you are mainly satisfied with, but there is one tooth that appears darker than the others. It could be gray or brown or not match the teeth around it. All you know is that it makes you uncomfortable to look at.
You're not alone. It is a regular issue encountered in the dentist's office. The good news is that this can be fixed with the help of cosmetic dentistry.
What Causes Tooth Darkening?
Teeth can darken for several reasons.
It may simply be stained. A tooth not in line with the others is frequently overlooked during cleaning. This causes stains to build up over time.
Certain drugs, such as antibiotics and fluoride supplements, can discolor teeth. This typically occurs when they are administered at higher doses to young children.
Dental restorations may possibly be the cause. Silver fillings are sometimes put on the backs of teeth, allowing the dark metal to shine through. Tooth-colored fillings match the color when inserted, although they may darken over time.
Injury is one of the most common causes of black teeth. When a tooth is destroyed due to a fall, being hit in the mouth, or other similar incidents, the blood flow to the nerve can be compromised.
If the injury is severe, the nerve may die. Since the tooth no longer receives blood and nutrients, it will gradually turn black.
Diagnosing Dark Teeth
The first step in repairing a dark tooth is determining why it became dark. Your dentist will most likely first examine the nerve to determine whether it is active or dead. This is known as vitality testing.
An ice-cold cotton ball may be applied to the tooth's face. If you can feel the cold, your teeth still have life. The duration of the cold sensation can also reveal information about the nerve's health.
Another approach for determining life is known as "Electronic Pulp Testing." A gadget is put on the tooth that generates a tiny electric current. If the tooth tingles, the nerve is active.
The tooth may only require whitening if it is still vital or active. There are numerous excellent at-home whitening treatments. These are effective if staining is the primary concern.
If the discoloration is deeper in the tooth, apply a stronger whitening procedure. Whitening trays employ strong gels to penetrate the tooth enamel and brighten the inside of the tooth.
If you use trays to whiten all of your teeth, remember that certain teeth will whiten faster than others. Continued use will help the dark tooth to catch up with the others. You can even apply the gel on only one discolored tooth.
Dentists also provide professional whitening services, including laser whitening. These procedures are usually faster than home treatment but can be significantly more expensive.
Dead Tooth Whitening
If the tooth's nerve has died, the therapy becomes more complex.
A dead tooth is more susceptible to infection and will likely require root canal therapy. This removes all the dead tissue inside the tooth and closes it off to prevent an abscess.
After root canal therapy, a tooth can be bleached internally. A cotton ball soaked in strong peroxide is inserted in the region where the nerve once was. It is sealed with a temporary filling.
After three or four weeks, the peroxide is eliminated. A permanent filling can be inserted if the tooth has been lightened sufficiently.
If additional whitening is required, a fresh cotton ball soaked in peroxide can be used instead. The method can be done as many times as necessary.
Sometimes, internal bleaching needs to be improved. If the tooth is incredibly dark or the enamel has weakened, it may require a crown. The porcelain can then be matched to the remaining teeth.
Before getting a crown, whitening your remaining teeth is a good idea. That way, the crown can be matched to the lighter shade. The porcelain's color will not alter with bleaching.
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