Is my front tooth dead if it is changing color? (Photo)

Question

I hit my mouth last week and busted my lip. My front tooth has been sore ever since. It doesn't seem to be loose. Yesterday I notice it was becoming gray. Today it is noticeably darker. I plan to call dentist Monday. Anything else I need to do? Is it likely dead?

Bruce Wilderman, DDS · Answer

Most likely your tooth will die at this point. The discoloration is probably bleeding inside the nerve chamber. Unlike a black and blue mark that eventually disappears elsewhere in the body, the bruise inside your tooth has no way to get rid of the blood breakdown products once circulation is gone. Hence you have a permanent "black and blue" tooth. While I agree with Dr. Borowski in regards to the need for root canal, it may not need a crown now or in the future. Crowns are almost always necessary on back teeth after root canal treatment to prevent them from fracture. Crowns on a front tooth such as yours will not prevent fracture. The reason for either a veneer or a crown will be determined based on the esthetics. If internal bleaching of the tooth after root canal doesn't yield a satisfactory result, then you would need to do something to make the tooth color match. It takes someone with a very special skill set to match one front tooth to the other without treating both teeth. That is why I would suggest bleaching before a crown or veneer.

John J. Killeen, DDS · Answer

Darkening of a tooth is a good indicator that the tooth may be dying. Your dentist will take an x-ray of the tooth and may test the tooth to determine if the tooth will need a root canal and subsequently a core with a crown.

Vicki Borowski, DDS · Answer

It does appear that your tooth is dying and that you will need a root canal and crown to restore this situation.

Is my front tooth dead if it is changing color? (Photo)

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Is my front tooth dead if it is changing color? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Tooth Repair

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.