Why Is One Tooth Darker Than the Rest?

When one tooth looks noticeably darker than its neighbours (grey, brown or yellow), it stands out in a way that general staining doesn’t. It’s also a different situation, and it usually needs a different approach.

Common reasons one tooth is darker

•     A past knock or injury. Even one from years ago can affect the nerve inside the tooth, causing it to darken from within over time.

•     Root canal treatment. Teeth that have had root canal treatment can gradually discolour from the inside.

•     Decay new decay, or decay under or around an existing filling can show through the enamel as a darker shadow.

Why whitening from the outside may not help

When discolouration comes from inside the tooth, whitening gel applied to the outer surface may have limited effect on it. It can also make the difference more noticeable, because the healthy teeth around it brighten while the darker tooth doesn’t change as much.

Get it checked by your dentist first

A tooth that has darkened, particularly after an injury, can be a sign that the nerve has been affected. It’s worth having it assessed by your dentist, including an x-ray, before any cosmetic treatment. Depending on the cause, your dentist may discuss options such as internal whitening from inside the tooth, or a crown or veneer.

Where whitening fits in

If your dentist is planning a crown or veneer for that tooth, whitening your other teeth first means the new restoration can be colour-matched to your brighter shade, rather than your current one.

Read next: What Causes Teeth Staining?

Book a whitening consultation.

Results vary between individuals. Book an appointment to find out what’s right for your teeth.