I knocked my front tooth a couple of months ago. It hurt a week then stopped. But now it turned dark. What should I do?

Q: I knocked my front tooth a couple of months ago. It hurt for a week then stopped, but now it has turned dark. What should I do?

A: A tooth that turns dark after trauma often indicates that the tooth’s nerve has died, leading to internal discoloration. This can happen when the blood supply to the tooth is disrupted due to the injury. You should see a dentist as soon as possible for a thorough evaluation, which may include vitality tests and X-rays to assess the tooth’s health. A root canal treatment is often necessary to remove the dead tissue, prevent infection, and restore the tooth’s appearance and function. Delaying treatment could lead to further complications, such as an abscess or tooth loss. Contact your dentist promptly to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Maksim has been practicing dentistry in the San Diego area for over 20 years.
www.michaelmaksimdds.com