You’re brushing your teeth like any other day when something unusual catches your eye. One of your teeth looks darker than the others and is almost black. You rub it, hoping it’s just a stain or food particle, but it doesn’t budge. Then, you start panicking and ask yourself- Is a black tooth an emergency?
While a black tooth may be a cosmetic concern for many, it’s often a warning sign of serious dental health issues. Ignoring it can lead to secondary problems like severe pain and tooth loss.
If you have a black tooth, it’s vital to understand the causes, warning signs, and treatment options. Let’s dive into what you need to know about a black tooth and the measures you should take to prevent significant dental health issues.
Black Tooth Causes: Why Would a Tooth Turn Black?
A tooth may turn black for several reasons, and not all necessitate urgent care. However, in many cases, it results from various dental emergencies that you shouldn’t ignore.
Tooth Decay and Cavities
One of the main reasons your tooth may turn black is tooth decay. The issue starts when food particles and bacteria stick to your teeth, forming a plaque.
If you don’t brush and floss regularly, the plaque may build up and allow bacteria to thrive. The bacteria will then produce acid, eroding the enamel and creating cavities.
At first, the cavities may not be noticeable, but your tooth will eventually change color as they go deeper. It may begin to get a yellow shade, then slowly turn brown and eventually black. Once the decay extends to the nerves and blood vessels, you may experience severe pain due to infections and increased sensitivity.
Since a black tooth caused by a cavity is a sign of severe decay and damage, you’ll need urgent dental care.
Dead Tooth or Pulp Necrosis
Did you know that more than five million teeth are knocked out annually in kids and adults, as reported by the American Association of Endodontists? If you get hit in the mouth, the impact may cut off blood flow to a tooth. At first, it may look fine, but it will turn gray, brown, or black as it slowly dies.
An untreated cavity can cause pulp necrosis if the bacteria reach the tooth’s inner part. It may also lead to painful abscesses once the infection spreads to the root and gums.
Failure to receive treatment for pulp necrosis and a dead tooth may cause serious health problems. For example, the infection may spread to the jawbone and other teeth. It may also enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of complications like sepsis.
Staining From Food, Drinks, or Smoking
Colored foods and drinks may stain your teeth over time. While these stains make your teeth look dark, they won’t pose the same risks as a black tooth caused by decay or a dying tooth.
Since tooth discoloration caused by food and drinks is cosmetic, you can address it by getting professional cleaning or whitening treatments in a Colorado Springs dental office.
Cigarettes and chewing tobacco contain tar and nicotine, which can also leave stubborn brown or black stains on your teeth. If such stains don’t go away with professional cleaning, consider veneers to restore the appearance of your smile.
Old Dental Work
Metal or amalgam fillings might stain the surrounding area, causing your teeth to turn gray or black. The fillings may also crack or wear down after some time, allowing bacteria to get beneath them and cause a cavity. The hidden decay will then make your tooth look darker.
If you have old dental work and have noticed color changes, it’s good to visit a Colorado Springs dental office to ensure your tooth is still healthy. In case the metal filling is causing discoloration or decay underneath, your general dentistry provider may replace it with a tooth-colored filling.
On the other hand, if you have a stained or broken-down crown, the specialist may install a new one to improve tooth function and appearance.
Is a Black Tooth an Emergency?
Knowing when to get emergency dental treatment for a black tooth can help protect your oral health. Always act fast if you notice any of the following signs:
- Sudden discoloration after an injury
- Extreme pain or sensitivity
- A foul taste in your mouth
A black tooth accompanied by pus and swelling on your gums may indicate a serious infection. If you experience such symptoms, contact your family dentist or emergency dentist in Colorado Springs immediately.
Treatment Options for a Black Tooth
The treatment options for a black tooth can vary based on the cause and your lifestyle. When you visit a Colorado Springs dentist, they will conduct exams to determine the cause before recommending treatments.
Fillings or Crowns
Crowns and fillings are ideal treatments for a black tooth caused by a cavity or old dental work. If the issue is minor decay, your dentist will remove the infected part before filling it to stop further damage.
However, if you have severe decay but your tooth has a strong root, they may offer treatment and install a crown to cover it. The crown will restore your tooth’s function and avoid infections.
Tooth Extraction
Sometimes, a black tooth may be too damaged to save, especially if the decay or infection is severe. In such a case, your emergency dentist will suggest tooth removal. After the extraction, you may replace the missing tooth with any of the following options:
- Dental implant
- Dental bridge
- A partial denture
Each tooth replacement treatment has its pros, cons, and varying costs, and your dentist can help you choose the most suitable one.
Root Canal Therapy
If your black tooth results from deep decay, an infection, or a dying nerve, you can get root canal therapy to save it and relieve pain. Endodontists in Colorado Springs will numb the affected area with an anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel pain.
Then, they’ll drill a small hole into the tooth and remove the damaged tissue, including the nerves and blood vessels. Afterward, the specialist will offer dental cleaning to eliminate leftover bacteria or germs.
The next step will be sealing the tooth to prevent any future infections. Your dentist may add a dental crown to protect the treated tooth and give it a natural appearance.
Root canal therapy is effective for treating a black tooth without pulling it out. The treatment allows you to maintain a healthy smile without extensive cosmetic intervention.
How to Prevent a Black Tooth
The best way to avoid dealing with a black tooth is through prevention. Here are some measures to keep your teeth healthy and prevent discoloration.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Taking care of your teeth daily avoids dental health issues like decay or gum disease, which can cause black teeth. Brush your teeth after meals and floss to remove leftover food particles.
Doing so will also prevent severe periodontal disease, which currently affects about 8% of adults above 30, based on a post by the National Library of Medicine.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Even if your teeth feel and appear fine, you should still visit your family dentist or cosmetic dentist at least every six months. The specialist will offer dental checkups and cleanings to address minor issues. Your appointment may include the following:
- X-rays to check for cavities and gum disease
- Professional teeth cleaning
- Customized oral care advice
Your Colorado Springs dentist may also check your mouth, gums, and throat for signs of oral cancer.
Avoid Tooth Discoloration
Reducing your intake of brightly colored food and drinks will help your teeth maintain their appearance. If you have to drink sodas and coffee regularly, consider using a straw to reduce contact with your teeth. You should also brush or rinse your mouth with water afterward.
Smoking is harmful to your oral health because it stains your teeth and causes gum damage. It also makes you more prone to gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. If you’re a smoker, consider quitting to protect your oral health and smile.
Protect Your Teeth from Injury
Do you love contact sports and participate in activities where you could get hit in the face? Then, it’s vital to always protect your teeth by wearing a mouthguard.
The device will prevent chipping and cracks by acting as a cushion and absorbing any impact on your mouth. It may also protect your jaw and avoid cuts and bruises to your lips and gums.
Your Colorado Springs dentist can provide a custom mouthguard that perfectly fits your teeth. Investing in one can avoid tooth loss and give you peace of mind while you enjoy your favorite activities.
Get Professional Dental Care for a Black Tooth
If you’ve been wondering, ‘Is a black tooth an emergency?’ yes, it can be. While not all cases require urgent care, it’s not something to ignore since it could indicate a serious issue.
Consult a Colorado Springs dentist to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment. Besides, take good care of your teeth at home and don’t skip dental appointments.
Pinnacle Dentistry has been offering advanced and personalized patient care for over a decade. Our approachable and attentive specialists will provide dental services that exceed your expectations. Request an appointment now.
