A tooth that has had a root canal has no living nerve inside it. This is why it can sometimes start to look darker or greyish over time. The good news is that your dentist has ways to brighten it back up.
Why Does a Dead Tooth Go Dark?
When the nerve inside a tooth dies — whether from trauma, decay, or a root canal treatment — the tooth no longer receives nutrients the way a healthy tooth does. The internal structure can gradually darken. Small stains from old filling materials or breakdown products inside the canal can also cause discolouration.
Yes — a Dead Tooth Can Often Be Whitened
The most common approach is called internal bleaching. Your dentist places a whitening gel inside the tooth, right into the chamber where the nerve used to be. The tooth is then temporarily filled. You come back a week or so later and the dentist checks the result. This process can be repeated until the shade matches your other teeth.
External whitening strips or trays do not work as well on a single dark dead tooth because they whiten from the outside in. For a truly discoloured dead tooth, internal bleaching is far more effective.
What About Veneers or Crowns?
If the tooth is too severely stained and bleaching does not give a satisfactory result, your dentist might suggest a veneer or a crown to cover it entirely. This also protects the tooth from further damage, which is important because a root-canaled tooth can become more brittle over time.
Book a Consultation to Discuss Your Options
Every case is different. Your dentist will need to assess the tooth, check that the root canal filling is intact, and talk through the best approach for your situation. Do not put up with a dark tooth — there are reliable solutions available.
Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.comMeads Village Dental Practice