A tooth turning grey often signals an underlying issue within its structure. This discoloration, particularly a grey hue, indicates internal changes that require professional evaluation.
Primary Causes of Grey Discoloration
One frequent reason a tooth develops a grey tint is pulp necrosis, the death of the tooth’s internal nerve and blood vessels. When the pulp dies, its degrading tissues release breakdown products that stain the dentin, the layer beneath the enamel. This process is similar to how a bruise changes color.
Dental trauma, such as an impact, can also lead to a tooth turning grey. Even without immediate symptoms, the trauma can damage the pulp, disrupting its blood supply. This may result in delayed nerve death and discoloration, sometimes appearing weeks or years after the injury. The breakdown of red blood cells within the dentin contributes to the grey appearance.
Internal resorption is another cause for intrinsic discoloration. This condition involves the body reabsorbing tooth structure from the inside out, sometimes giving the tooth a pinkish-grey hue. Certain medications or dental materials can also contribute to grey discoloration. For example, tetracycline antibiotics taken during tooth development can cause permanent discoloration. Old amalgam (silver) fillings can also make a tooth appear grey by corroding and staining the surrounding structure, or by showing through thin enamel.
Diagnosing the Cause and Treatment Options
When a tooth turns grey, a dental professional conducts an examination to identify the cause. This includes a visual inspection and dental X-rays to assess internal structures for infection, root issues, or pulp chamber changes.
Pulp vitality testing helps determine the tooth’s nerve health. This involves applying thermal stimuli (cold or heat) or using an electric pulp tester to gauge the nerve’s response. The dentist compares the discolored tooth’s response to healthy adjacent teeth to understand internal damage.
Treatment options vary by diagnosis. If pulp necrosis is confirmed, root canal therapy is typically recommended. This procedure removes infected or dead pulp tissue, cleans and disinfects the canals, and then seals them. If the tooth remains discolored after a root canal, internal bleaching can be performed by placing a bleaching agent inside the tooth to lighten it from within.
External bleaching, applied to the tooth’s outer surface, is generally not effective for intrinsic grey discoloration from internal issues like nerve death or trauma. For severe discoloration unresponsive to bleaching, or if the tooth’s structure is compromised, restorative options like dental crowns or veneers may be considered. Crowns are custom caps that cover the entire tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. Veneers are thin, custom shells, often porcelain, bonded to the front surface to conceal discoloration and improve aesthetics.
Prevention and When to Seek Professional Help
Preventing a tooth from turning grey involves protecting it from trauma and maintaining good oral hygiene. Using a mouthguard during sports or high-risk activities reduces the chance of dental injuries leading to discoloration. Regular oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, helps prevent deep decay that could affect the tooth’s pulp.
Routine dental check-ups are important for early detection. These visits allow a dentist to identify and address problems before they lead to severe internal damage and discoloration. If you notice any change in a tooth’s color, especially if it appears grey, seek prompt dental attention. A grey tooth warrants professional evaluation, as early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further complications and improve the long-term prognosis.