Tooth Discoloration After Trauma: Reasons & Treatments

Tooth discoloration, or darkening, after trauma is a common dental issue. Many people face this problem today. It is possible for the color of a traumatized tooth to change from white to grey, brown, or black a few days after the trauma. So, there is an increased chance of developing a colored tooth if you’ve experienced any type of trauma on your teeth. It is advisable to consult a dentist for whitening options.

However, injuries to the teeth, such as discolored teeth, can occur due to dental trauma. This trauma can be caused by a simple fall or accident, sporting mishap, impact from a stray elbow, or a severe shock to the tooth. It is important to prioritize oral health and seek treatment from a dentist if any injuries occur.

Although, tooth discoloration can occur in adults and children, but it tends to occur more often in children from sudden fall or accidents especially while they’re learning to walk. Adults do experience tooth discoloration on their permanent adult teeth but it should heal in a few days after undergoing some necessary treatments. In most cases, the extent of discolouration of the tooth after trauma is usually determined by the severity of the shock or injury. You can read here to see – 9 causes of tooth discoloration.

Reasons for tooth discoloration after trauma

Why most people experience darkening of their teeth after trauma is due to internal bleeding which occurs inside the tooth after the injury. Just like every other parts of our body, the tooth has a chamber called tooth pulp where its blood vessels and nerves are found. Blood can actually leak through the dental nerves and blood vessels and cause discoloration of teeth if the pulp is damaged. This is why it’s important to consult a dentist for teeth whitening treatments to remove stains caused by trauma.

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A few days after experiencing trauma, the affected tooth may become discolored and turn black or grey. In some cases, the discoloration naturally disappears following a mild shock or injury to the pulp. However, if the damage to the tooth is severe, the affected tooth may gradually darken over time, indicating poor functioning of the tooth’s blood vessels and nerves. This can be addressed through dental bonding or teeth whitening to restore a bright and confident smile.

According to Only my health, here is what some tooth discoloration after trauma signifies.

  • Yellow tooth. The colour change of the traumatised tooth to yellow or brownish yellow generally indicates calcification and obliteration of the dental pulp, and in most cases it regains its natural colour within few days, without any treatment.

  • Black tooth. The colour of the traumatised tooth changes to black, indicating the death of the dental pulp or necrosis. In most cases, this type of discoloration don’t usually go away on its own naturally. The affected tooth can be treated either using a root canal therapy, internal bleaching or by extracting the tooth entirely.

  • Pink tooth. Pink tooth color after trauma indicates the presence of blood pigments in the dental pulp. In most cases, the affected tooth may regains its natural colour within few days or require the attention of an experienced dentist.

Treatments for tooth discoloration after trauma

When it comes to treating dental injuries, there are limited options for discolored teeth. Mild trauma may not always require treatment as these teeth tend to regain their natural color within weeks. However, severely traumatized teeth can suffer from prolonged discoloration that lasts for months. In such cases, the tooth may eventually die and necessitate expert nerve treatments.

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Here are some treatment options for dental injuries and tooth discoloration after trauma.

1. Root canal treatment. A root canal treatment involves the careful removal of the stained, damaged or decayed materials contained in pulp cavity. A root canal may help to reverse the discolouration of your tooth once the damaged or dead pulp is removed. Although, the complete removal of the pulp contents via root canal therapy is often very costly and difficult, but there is another alternative if you can’t afford one. You can check here to see – the cost of root canal treatment.

2. Internal bleaching. Bleaching is another great option for treating tooth discoloration after trauma. Internal bleaching can help to revert the tooth to its natural colour. You check here to see – how to whiten a dead tooth.

Final Thoughts

Anyone can get an accident or fall in one way or the other and get a discoloured tooth. Taking proper action immediately you notice that the color of your traumatized teeth is changing can be necessary in saving your smile. Apart from color change, dental trauma can completely damage your tooth, leading to the death of your affected tooth.

However, some discolored tooth after trauma does not need to be treated, their natural colour often return within a few days reducing your chances of getting a root canal treatment. But if the tooth still remain discoloured, you should see your dentist to check if the damage needs to be repaired.