If one tooth looks darker, greyer, or more yellow than the teeth around it, there may be a reason beyond normal staining.
Sometimes the change is cosmetic. In other cases, a darker tooth can mean something has changed inside the tooth.
Why Would Only One Tooth Change Colour?
A single tooth can darken after an injury, even if the injury happened years ago.
Trauma can damage the nerve and blood supply inside the tooth. Over time, the tooth may begin to look grey, brown, or noticeably darker than the others.
Can a Dead Tooth Turn Dark?
Yes.
If the nerve inside a tooth dies, pigments from inside the tooth can change its colour.
The tooth may not always hurt. In fact, some people first notice the problem because of the colour change rather than pain.
Can a Cavity Make a Tooth Look Darker?
Sometimes.
Decay can create brown, black, or dark areas on a tooth, especially if the cavity has become larger.
However, not every dark tooth has a cavity. An examination can help determine whether the colour is coming from the surface or from inside the tooth.
Can an Old Filling or Root Canal Cause Discolouration?
Yes.
Teeth that have had root canal treatment may gradually become darker over time. Older fillings can also change the way light passes through a tooth and make it look different from the surrounding teeth.
The appearance depends on the type of restoration, the tooth itself, and how long the dental work has been there.
What If the Tooth Is Dark but Does Not Hurt?
A lack of pain does not always mean the tooth is healthy.
A damaged nerve may stop producing pain after it loses vitality. That is why a tooth that suddenly changes colour should still be checked, even if it feels completely normal.
A dentist may use an examination, X-rays, or vitality testing to understand what is happening inside the tooth.
Can Whitening Fix One Dark Tooth?
Regular teeth whitening may not work evenly when only one tooth is darker.
If the discolouration comes from inside the tooth, other options may be more effective. These can include internal whitening, bonding, veneers, or another treatment depending on the cause.
The first step is finding out why the tooth changed colour.
If one tooth looks darker than the others, Dr. Salim Kapadia Dental Centre in Scarborough can examine the tooth, check its health, and determine whether the change is caused by trauma, decay, an older restoration, or changes inside the tooth. From there, the most suitable treatment can be recommended based on both the health and appearance of the tooth.
Click here to book an appointment online or call (416) 321-3268.
