Why does a tooth turn black in colour?
A tooth turning black is a common side effect of the nerve of the tooth dying or having root canal treatment. The by-products of root canal filling materials are released into the tooth which can cause the tooth to discolour. Before doing cosmetic treatment on a discoloured tooth, it is vital to check with an x-ray to make sure the tooth’s root canal filling is present & sound and there is no chronic infection present.
A tooth can also discolour as a result of trauma or tooth decay. Sometimes a tooth discolours years after the dental trauma has occurred as the nerve gradually dies off.
A dead tooth should first be root canal treated before any cosmetic dental treatment is carried out to prevent infection and pain.
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