Is it normal for my tooth to be slightly gray after a deep filling? (Photos)

Question

A few days ago, I got a deep filling for one of my teeth. I was told that the cavity was deep, but the filling should prevent me from getting a root canal.During the procedure, the dentist had to use a strong type of anesthesia due to the pain.after the procedure, I was told that the tooth may be sensitive for a few weeks and get swollen, but it's normal. I am still unable to bite with the tooth, whenever i do, it hurts & i think its turning gray. Is this normal due to the anesthesia?

Charles Briscoe, DDS · Answer

Deep cavities can take a while to settle down. Did the dentist chase the decay into the nerve? That would explain the need for the intense anesthetic. Was the cavity totally clean prior to filling?Any contamination would discolor the white filling material. The anestheticis clear!If you cannot close your teeth together comfortably , it may be that there is too much filling material present. The dentist shouldcheck your bite, and adjust as needed.Swelling is not normal for a deep filling, unless it is going into a root canal.Go back to your dentist and let him or her know what you are feeling.

Oleg Vinson, DDS · Answer

Thank you for your question and pictures.
It's difficult to provide a diagnosis without reviewing your X-rays.  Discoloration (tooth turning gray) is not caused by anesthesia.  Changes are you had a previously placed amalgam restoration in that same tooth.  If that was the case, then seeing grayish hue might explain it.
If you still have sensitivity, you may need to adjust the height of the filling (bite).
In either case, please contact your doctor to discuss this issue further.

Best,
Dr. O. Vinson

Is it normal for my tooth to be slightly gray after a deep filling? (Photos)

Answers (2)