My right front tooth was knocked out in February, and I immediately saw a dentist. The dentist replanted the tooth and bonded it. The tooth had a root canal, too. It looked okay at first, but now it is turning dark. I have a new dentist now who says that I need a crown. I was hoping not to get the tooth ground down for a crown. Also, I am afraid that the tooth will break. It must be somewhat weak since it was knocked out. Is a crown the right treatment if the tooth is turning dark? Thank you for your time.
Thank you, Demetri from IL
Demitri,
It is good that you acted quickly to save your front tooth. We understand your concerns about getting a dental crown. Preparing a front tooth for a crown will weaken it against lateral stress. If you have a forceful bite, it increases the risk of the tooth breaking.
Why Is Your Front Tooth Discoloring?
It is not unusual for a tooth to discolor after root canal treatment. Root canal filling material (gutta percha or cement) can accelerate discoloration. However, cleaning the inside of the dental crown from the filling material after root canal treatment helps preserve tooth shade.
How Can a Dentist Lighten Your Front Tooth?
A cosmetic dentist may use a veneer for a front tooth that is turning dark
When a front root canal tooth darkens, a cosmetic dentist can bleach it internally. After bleaching the tooth, the dentist can place a fiberglass post in the tooth and fill the tooth with composite. A porcelain veneer can conceal discoloration.
Keep in mind that correcting discoloration in a front tooth requires the skill of a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training. The dentist must match the porcelain veneer with the shade and characteristics of your surrounding teeth. Before recommending treatment, the dentist will x-ray your tooth to check the health of your tooth’s root and ensure it is not deteriorating. Otherwise, placing a veneer on the tooth will waste your time and money. A dentist may recommend a dental implant if the tooth’s condition declines.
David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post. Read about what Dr. Finley and his team do to provide some of the best dental care in Monroe.
