Root canal treatment is a very common method in the world of dentistry, which is used to treat infected and decayed teeth. However, one of the common side effects of this treatment is the blackening of the teeth after nerve extraction. So much so that many people who had root canals (and did not have their teeth covered) noticed a darkening of their teeth after a few years. For this reason, we decided to investigate the scientific reasons for this color change in this article and answer questions such as "Why does a denervated tooth turn black?" and "Is there any way to prevent or treat this discoloration?" to answer So, until the end of this article, stay with Dr. Benianian's dental clinic specialists. What is meant by the black color of denervated teeth? Blackening of denervated teeth is an unwanted color change that is observed in some cases after this dental treatment. In fact, the teeth that were denervated, for various reasons, may change to dark colors such as gray, brown or even black. This color change can be aesthetically disturbing for a person and affect a person's self-confidence. The following picture shows you an example of a tooth that has darkened after root canal treatment: For information on the price of tooth denervation 1404, refer to the relevant page. Why does a denervated tooth turn black? A denervated tooth is no longer alive and its blood supply is cut off, so it becomes very vulnerable to discoloration. According to an article entitled "Discoloration Potential of Endodontic Sealers", the main reasons for this color change are: - Filling materials - Destruction of organic materials inside the tooth such as nerve and pulp - Residual infection - Dental error - Impact on the tooth - Changing the internal color of the tooth ### Filling material One of the common causes of tooth blackening after nerve extraction is the filling material that the dentist uses to fill the root canals. These materials, especially in the past, often contained compounds that discolored and darkened teeth over time. For example, some of these materials, such as amalgam, contain metal compounds such as mercury, silver, tin and copper. With the passage of time and in the vicinity of air and natural humidity of the mouth, these metals oxidize and darken the color of the tooth after nerve extraction. Foods and colored drinks such as coffee, tea, red sauce and cola drinks can penetrate into these restorative materials over time and cause them to change color. Of course, fortunately, with the advancement of dental science, new filling materials came to the market, which are much more stable than the old restorative materials, and the probability of their color changing is much lower. Dental composite is one of these materials that are more compatible with natural teeth and are less prone to discoloration. In the meantime, the question is also raised as to how long the denervated tooth will last and what factors can affect its durability and long-term health. ### Destruction of organic materials inside the tooth such as nerve and pulp Another main reason for tooth darkening after nerve extraction is the loss of organic material inside the tooth. Our natural teeth are made up of different layers, each of which plays a special role in the beauty, functionality and health of our teeth. Dentin and enamel are two of these main layers of teeth. Dentin is the inner and softer layer of the tooth and contains very small and delicate tubes through which nerves and blood vessels pass. This part is called pulp. Pulp has some kind of organic and mineral substances that give color and transparency to the tooth. When a tooth gets infected or damaged, the pulp of the tooth is also affected by this infection. So, after the signs of reaching the nerve of the tooth, the dentist removes this infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth root canals. When the pulp is removed, the organic and mineral substances in it are also destroyed. As a result, the internal structure of the tooth changes and the tooth loses its color and becomes dark. In the same context, it is necessary to pay attention to the side effects of tooth filling without denervation, because if the damaged pulp is not treated properly, there may be residual infection and more serious problems such as chronic pain or abscess. Having said that, you should understand that tooth discoloration after nerve extraction is a natural complication that is unavoidable in many cases. However, you can minimize this discoloration by choosing the right filling materials, maintaining good oral hygiene, and visiting the dentist regularly. Of course, if this color change is accompanied by pain, swelling or bad breath, you may wonder how to know if the denervated tooth is infected? In such a situation, a detailed examination by a dentist is necessary. ### Residual infection Even after the debridement and cleaning of the root canals, there is a possibility of some bacteria and infection remaining in the deeper parts of the canals. Bacteria that can over time cause tooth extraction pain and tooth darkening after extraction. Of course, the infection itself can also irritate the tooth cells and form dark pigments in the tooth. If you also have a question about the price of denervation of tooth number 6, we have explained it in detail on the page **cost of denervation**. ### Dental error Nazi founders: > If the dentist you refer to to perform the root canal procedure does not have enough skills to perform this task, he may leave parts of the pulp (dental nerve) in the root canals. That is, it does not drain the infected area properly. If such an error occurs on the part of the dentist, the remaining pulp (which no blood and oxygen reaches due to the lack of roots) will turn into a dead tissue over time. As a result, your tooth will be discolored after nerve extraction. This is one of the reasons why we always emphasize visiting a good dentist. ### Impact on the tooth Trauma to the tooth, the medical term of which is dental trauma, even after denervation, can be another factor that affects the discoloration and darkening of the tooth. Because when a tooth gets hit, the blood vessels inside its pulp are damaged and some kind of internal bleeding occurs in that tooth. Bleeding causes the colored substances of the blood to penetrate into the tooth tissues and darken them. Even if the tooth nerve has already been pulled, the impact can cause microscopic breaks in the tooth, paving the way for bacteria and staining materials to enter the tooth. In addition, impact can cause small cracks in tooth enamel. Cracks that can act as a path for food pigments and drinks to penetrate into the tooth and cause its color to change. It may be interesting for you to know that trauma may even cause inflammation in the tissues around the root of the tooth. Inflammation that can lead to the production of dark pigments and blackening of teeth after denervation. **Read more:** How long should we fill the tooth after nerve extraction? ### Discoloration of the inside of the tooth The last common cause of tooth blackening after nerve extraction is the change in the internal color of the tooth. Because when the nerve of the tooth is stretched, the tooth so-called dies and blood supply is no longer done to it. As a result, the tooth loses its ability to retain its natural color. Of course, the use of some medicines can darken the teeth from the inside. However, this issue has nothing to do with whether the tooth is denervated or not. Treatment of blackened denervated teeth Fortunately, there are several solutions to remove the blackness and darkness of teeth after nerve extraction. But choosing the right treatment method depends on the degree of discoloration, the location of the tooth and your personal preferences. Here are some common treatment methods: - Teeth bleaching - Dental veneers - Dental laminate - Dental composite - Bonding ### 1. Treatment of blackened denervated teeth with **tooth bleaching** One of the most effective ways to remove tooth darkness after nerve extraction is tooth bleaching. Bleaching is actually a process during which the color of the teeth becomes brighter using chemicals and bleaching agents. Whitening of denervated teeth through bleaching is done in 2 ways: 1. Internal bleaching 2. External bleaching In internal bleaching, the whitening agent is injected directly into the root canal of the tooth. This method is more effective for internally discolored teeth. Because the bleaching agent penetrates into the internal tissues of the tooth, breaks down the dark pigments and brightens the tooth. To get the best results from the bleaching process, the dentist may recommend you to perform external bleaching on your teeth. It means to put the whitening agent in the form of gel or paste on the surface of your teeth to remove the surface stains of your teeth. - **Advantages:** An effective way to lighten the color of teeth. - **Disadvantages:** Several treatment sessions may be needed and the result is not permanent. ### 2. Treatment of blackened denervated teeth with dental veneers The most effective and permanent way to cover the discoloration of a denervated tooth is to use a dental veneer. As you probably know, a dental crown is a cap made of ceramic, zirconium, metal or even gold that is placed over the entire surface of the tooth and changes its appearance completely. Therefore, any discoloration or stain on the tooth is completely hidden. Of course, the covers are made of very resistant materials. For this reason, they are very durable and can protect the tooth against breakage and further damage. That's why dentists make it mandatory to use a veneer after nerve extraction for some nerve extractions. For more information, take a look at the article "Reasons for the need to cover a denervated tooth". - **Advantages:** High strength, natural appearance and long-term durability. - **Disadvantages:** The need to shave part of the tooth. ### 3. Treatment of blackened denervated teeth with dental laminate Dental bonding is another procedure that you can use to improve the appearance of your discolored teeth. This popular method is used for denervated and discolored teeth, as well as for teeth that are damaged such as broken, cracked or chipped lips. Laminate is a thin layer that is attached to the front surface of the tooth and can hide dental defects. As a result, it is considered a very suitable option for hiding discolored teeth. - **Advantages:** Natural appearance, high resistance and the possibility of modifying the shape of the teeth. - **Disadvantages:** The need to shave tooth enamel, the requirement to laminate a number of teeth (instead of just one tooth). ### 4. Treatment of blackened denervated teeth with dental composite The last solution that can be used to remove tooth darkness after nerve extraction is tooth composite. A tooth-colored material that is placed in thin layers on the surface of the tooth and after polishing, gives the appearance of a hand to your teeth. Composite has several different advantages. For example, it is completely placed on the surface of the tooth and covers all discoloration and stains; It also corrects the shape and size of the teeth; It improves your smile and is more reasonably priced than dental veneers. - **advantages:** low price, high beauty, possibility to correct other defects (except color change). - **Disadvantages:** Relatively low durability. How to prevent denervated teeth from turning black? One of the most important causes of tooth blackening after denervation is the penetration of bacteria into the denervated tooth. For this reason, it is very important to do the following after denervation: #### The final summary of the issue of tooth blackening after nerve extraction In conclusion, tooth blackening after nerve extraction, although it may occur, can be prevented by observing oral and dental hygiene, choosing the right filling materials and visiting the dentist regularly. Choosing a skilled and experienced dentist is also very important in this field. By adopting these measures, you can protect the beauty and health of your teeth and prevent tooth darkening after nerve extraction. In addition, you can contact our consultants for information on the price of front tooth denervation.

Free consultation

If you need a telephone consultation, enter your name and contact number in the form below. Our colleagues will contact you as soon as possible. You can also call 02188539720 for advice.