My dentist put my upper left tooth back I place because it was knocked out. He put the tooth back in and bonded it. He also did a root canal on the tooth. The tooth has turned darker than my other tooth, and my dentist said I probably need a crown. Is a crown on a root canal front tooth a good idea? Is there a way we can save the tooth without a crown? Thank you. Geoff from MD

 

Geoff,

It’s important to consider the potential risks of a crown on a front tooth. It increases the risk of tooth breaking from lateral stress, especially if you have a heavy bite when eating.

Why Does a Root Canal Tooth Turn Dark?

Teeth often discolor after root canal treatment. After removing the infected tooth pulp, a dentist fills the tooth with a filling material or cement. If the dentist leaves some of the filling material in the crown (the part of your tooth above the gumline), the material will discolor the tooth.

How Can a Dentist Lighten a Root Canal Tooth?

A skilled cosmetic dentist can lighten a root canal tooth by removing the root canal filling material from the tooth’s crown. The dentist may also recommend internal bleaching. Afterward, the flexible post can be inserted into the tooth and sealed with dental composite, which can prevent discoloration for several years.

As discoloration occurs, a skilled cosmetic dentist may recommend a porcelain veneer and color match the veneer to the adjacent tooth.

In cases where a front tooth was knocked out and replanted, you may need an X-ray to ensure your body is not eating away at the tooth’s root.  Your dentist did well to preserve your tooth. However, he may not understand how to improve your tooth color. A dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training can help.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post. Read what they do to provide some of the best dental care in San Antonio.