What is the reason for tooth color change after tooth extraction?

Root canal treatment is used to treat the tooth nerve. An infected nerve can become damaged, leading to a tooth abscess, severe toothache, sensitivity, and possibly tooth discoloration. But you may be asked what is the reason for the change in tooth color after nerve extraction? And why does this happen?

Not all root canal treatments cause tooth discoloration or staining, but when tooth discoloration occurs, it may be due to several factors. The most common is because the pulp tissue (layer in the tooth’s center) is left inside the tooth. Discoloration occurs when this “residual pulp” begins to break down.

Other reasons for staining after a root canal include anesthesia drugs or how the root nerve is treated. However, the most common cause of discoloration of a denervated tooth is dead dentin left inside the tooth.

Do I need root canal treatment?

Instead of pulling a tooth, root canal treatment cleans out dead (or damaged) nerve tissue. After disinfecting the canals, a composite root filling can help restore the tooth to its former state. The same tooth can live for several years and remain healthy.

This of course depends on whether the tooth can support a new crown or filling. Some teeth may have more than one root. In this case, your dentist will try to preserve the roots as much as possible. However, further treatment may be required.

The cause of discoloration of denervated teeth

Tooth discoloration after denervation is usually due to physiological and chemical effects that occur in the tooth. One of the main reasons for this color change is the destruction of organic materials inside the tooth such as nerve and pulp, which causes the tooth color to change to darker colors over time. When the nerve of the tooth is removed, the blood supply to the tooth decreases and this causes color changes in the tooth. Also, the pharmaceutical and chemical substances used in the denervation process can affect the color of the teeth over time.

In addition, the filling materials used to restore the tooth after nerve extraction can cause tooth discoloration. Restorative materials such as amalgam, especially if not properly sealed, can cause the material to seep into the tooth structure and discolor it. Also, external factors such as the consumption of colored foods, drinks, and smoking can accelerate this color change. Finally, a combination of internal and external factors can lead to tooth discoloration after denervation.

Treatment of tooth discoloration

Because pulp tissue has been removed from root canal treatment, dead dentin may darken over time. There are few treatment options for patients who suffer from discoloration of denervated teeth after root canal treatment.

Internal bleach

Internal whitening involves placing a whitening agent into the pulp inside the tooth. Since the inside of the tooth is now empty, the whitening agent fills in the gaps and helps prevent tooth discoloration. This is a completely safe and effective method.

Crest or cover

Another effective option is to have the dentist in Windsor restore the discolored veneer. By enclosing the tooth, the veneer strengthens the remaining tooth structure. Crowns are usually made of porcelain or metal.

At Raya Dental Clinic, we will prepare a suitable and customized veneer for your tooth. If you’re looking for a more permanent solution to tooth discoloration after root canal treatment, veneers are likely to give you the results you want.

What causes tooth discoloration?

Tooth discoloration refers to the change in the natural color of the teeth, where they have different shades than their natural color. While teeth are normally white or light yellow, discoloration can cause them to turn dark yellow, brown, gray, or even black.

There are several reasons for tooth discoloration. Some of the main causes are:

Smoking: Smoking can lead to yellowing and discoloration of teeth. Nicotine and other chemicals in tobacco can penetrate tooth enamel and cause teeth to turn brown or yellow. Therefore, smoking is one of the most common causes of tooth discoloration.

Consumption of caffeine, wine, and tea: Drinks such as coffee, tea, and red wine can cause stains on the surface of the teeth.

Oral hygiene: Irregular brushing and lack of flossing can lead to plaque accumulation and yellowing of teeth.

Dietary habits: consumption of highly pigmented drinks, sweet foods, and fast food can contribute to tooth decay and discoloration. In addition, colored drinks such as coffee, tea, wine, and fruit juice can also affect tooth color.

Tooth damage: A tooth fracture, crack, or injury can lead to tooth discoloration.

Taking antibiotics: Some antibiotics, especially those used in childhood, can disrupt the formation of tooth enamel and lead to tooth discoloration.

Genetic factors: Some people may naturally have yellow or gray teeth due to genetic factors.

Aging: The aging process can cause tooth enamel to thin and expose the underlying dark dentin layer more. This can lead to yellowing or darkening of the teeth.

Treatment methods for tooth discoloration

The treatment method for discoloration of a denervated tooth depends on its main cause. For example, if the discoloration is due to eating habits, the dentist may recommend teeth cleaning and whitening procedures. Similarly, tooth discoloration caused by smoking or tobacco use can be treated through teeth whitening.

If tooth discoloration is a result of aging, it cannot be treated with teeth whitening. However, dental fillings or crowns applied by a dentist can restore the natural appearance of teeth.

Discoloration caused by antibiotics cannot be treated with teeth whitening. However, dental veneers or fillings performed by a dentist can help restore the natural color of the teeth.

The color change caused by dental trauma can be different depending on the conditions and the amount of damage. Therefore, the dentist evaluates the condition of the tooth and determines the appropriate treatment method. For example, if there is a minor crack in the tooth, teeth whitening or tooth filling may be used. However, if there is a large crack or fracture, the dentist may recommend tooth extraction and the use of dental implants or bridges.