Will a root canal filling change the colour of my tooth?

[Kim B]

Hi

I am due to have a root canal filling on my front incisor tooth after it developed an infection and my dentist recommended root canal treatment to save the tooth.

I have read on the internet that root canal treated teeth usually become discoloured and dark and unsightly. I am worried that the same thing will happen to my tooth once its root filled.

Unfortunately I don't have any choice and have to have the root canal treatment to save my tooth but I would like to know other than having a crown is there anything that I can do to stop my tooth becoming discoloured.

I have heard that teeth whitening does not work on root filled teeth so I am worried that I will be left with a dark and discoloured front tooth. Please help.

[Dr Ehsan J. Esfahani]

Hello Kim,

Thank you for your post.

A root canal filling can change the colour of a tooth. A root filled front tooth usually becomes discoloured over time.

To minimise this the following things should be done. The root canal treatment should be done well and if possible by an endodontist. The filling material placed to seal the crown of the tooth should be tooth coloured and bonded to the tooth. A crown may still be necessary to seal the tooth and prevent fracture or re-infection.

Home teeth whitening can work on root filled front teeth and should be tried if discoloration is seen. If the home whitening does not work well then inside/outside bleaching can be tried. If all else fails then a dental crown is the only solution.