Tooth discoloration can vary depending on what it is and what the cause may be. While mild discoloration can simply be the result of the tooth being stained, darker colors such as dark brown or black can signal something much more serious.
The Difference Between Dark and Black
Many people worry about the color of their teeth and as soon as the color of the enamel fades to anything but white they run for the whitening treatments. While this may be a good idea for slight discoloration issues, a tooth which turns darker and darker until it reaches a dark brown of black color is not simply a discolored tooth. These colors are the hallmarks of a tooth which has died.
How Teeth Die
Teeth can die for a number of reasons. The most common is simply tooth decay, which eats away at the tooth from the inside and can easily kill a tooth if left unchecked. Gum disease, filling problems and even tumors can also cause a tooth to die. Finally there is trauma. If someone is hit in the mouth, especially a hard hit or serious fall, this can damage the tooth if it is struck as well. Any of these situations can damage the nerve pulp which, if not taken care of, will lead to the eventual death of the tooth.
Can A Dead Tooth Be Fixed?
Although a dead tooth will never come back to life, it should still be taken care of by a dentist as soon as possible. A dead tooth is a natural magnet for bacteria and can lead to a serious infection. The most common remedy for a dead tooth is a root canal treatment. This is where the tooth is drilled out and all infected areas are cleaned and removed. Then a crown or veneer is placed over the remaining tooth in order to improve the look of the smile. A crown or veneer will look just like any other tooth and no one will need to know there was a dead tooth there before.
When a tooth begins to die, it will often become sensitive to heat and cold. Tooth sensitivity, particularly if it suddenly begins to happen, is often a red flag that something is wrong with your teeth. Should this happen, getting immediate attention may help make the difference between a tooth which needs attention and a tooth which will die and require major dental surgery.
source: http://www.teethcenter.com/why-is-my-tooth-turning-black/
by the Tech Dental Staff
http://www.smilesbydesigninlivermore.com
No comments:
Post a Comment