Why is my front bottom tooth dark?

Q:
Via email from Amit

I have noticed over the past two years my lower front tooth has become darker than the teeth beside it. The tooth almost looks grey. When I was 17 (I am now 26) I fell on my face off a skateboard. At that time I cut up my lips a lot and banged my bottom teeth, but nothing happened at the time and I haven't thought of it since until I noticed my tooth was going grey. I don't have any pain, but I do not like how it looks at all.and wondering what to do.

A:

I cannot comment specifically on your tooth as I haven't examined it, but I can give you some broad answers that may help guide you in what to do next.

First, a tooth that darkens overall and has a greyish appearance typically is one in that the nerve and pulp is dying or dead. A healthy tooth has a rich vascular network within the pulp which nourishes the tooth, when trauma occurs that blood supply overtime can coagulate like a bruise and the nerve of the tooth ceases having sensation. This is when the grey colour appears and unfortunately stays.

The solutions to this may vary, in most cases a root canal can be performed which takes the dead nerve and pulp out of the tooth and replaced with an inert material which fills the space. After the root canal is performed a dental crown or cap may be recommended to protect the remaining tooth structure and prevent fracture. This new dental crown can be matched to your existing adjacent teeth to look as natural as possible.

In select cases where a dental crown or cap is not the choice, dental bleaching may be done on the inside of the tooth to remove the staining on the inside of the tooth. After this bleaching is completed a permanent filling would be put on the tooth to cover the hole where access was made to perform a root canal.

I hope this has helped. Your next step is to visit a Dentist to assess your particular dental situation.

Thanks for the great question!

Should I avoid dentistry while I am pregnant?

Q:
via email April 9, 2010 from Yasmin J

I am 8 weeks pregnant and I am wondering when I can get my teeth cleaned as I have noticed that my gums are bleeding and sore. My last dental cleaning was over 1 year ago so I am definitely due.

A:

Thank you for your question Yasmin and congratulations on your pregnancy! Dental care during your pregnancy is very important both for yourself and for your baby. Typically my personal recommendation is as minimal dental treatment possible within the first trimester when the fetal organ's are developing. While dental treatment may not harm this development, it is best to limit potential risk. I recommend dental treatment be done in the second trimester and third if need be (after fetal development is complete). Dental treatment in these latter trimesters should allow for flexibility of movement for the mother as laying on the back for an extended period of time can place pressue on the interior vena cava, so movement during the appointment is necessary.

A dental cleaning in the second trimester and a subsequent one prior to the birth of the baby is important to remove bacterial plaque and tartar to help prevent pregnancy gingivitis-pregnancy hormones and increased blood flow cause the gums to become increasingly sensitive to bacterial plaque, thus inflammation of the gums occurs. Brushing and flossing at home to remove the bacterial plaque is vital to maintaining a healthy mouth during pregnancy, while visiting the dentist assists in removal of both bacterial plaque and tartar both above and below to prevent gingivitis and allowing it to heal.

Pregnancy and your teeth

X-rays are normally not taken during a check-up at your dentist while pregnant so being aware of any warning signs of dental problems is very important, for example a new area of sensitivity, ache/pressure or bad taste/pus should be thoroughly checked to ensure no dental issues are occurring.

Great question, thank you!