Often a tooth that suffers trauma will darken to a shade inconsistent with the remaining natural teeth. To determine if that tooth can be lightened, you should first schedule an examination with your dental professional.
Your dentist will perform x-rays and additional tests to assess if the pulp of the tooth is still alive. A tooth that is vital may respond to external bleaching. In this case, your dentist can make a single-tooth bleaching tray to whiten the affected tooth to a shade that more closely matches the surrounding teeth. A single-tooth tray keeps the bleach from touching the adjacent teeth, resulting in a more evenly colored smile.
If your dentist discovers the nerves of the damaged tooth have died, you may require a root canal treatment. A dead tooth may darken immediately, or the change in color can happen over time. In the case of a tooth that is no longer vital, your dentist may suggest trying to bleach the tooth from the inside.
Bleaching a tooth from the inside is a routine treatment that involves making a small opening in the tooth and injecting the bleach into that hole. When the whitening procedure is finished, you can determine with your dentist if the desired results have been achieved. If the internal bleaching did not whiten sufficiently, your dentist might choose to bleach the tooth externally as well. If the results are still not what you were trying to achieve, your dentist may recommend a tooth-colored veneer or crown to make the tooth blend more naturally with the surrounding teeth.
If you have a traumatized tooth darkening your smile, consult with your dentist to determine the best teeth whitening treatment to restore an even and whiter smile.
