What to Do if Your Tooth Broke Off and It’s Black Inside

What should you do if your tooth broke off and it’s black inside? When people think of black teeth, they may be thinking of someone with poor oral health. However, a broken tooth that’s black inside may be something else entirely. In reality, the inside of a tooth can tell a very different story, especially if it’s a broken molar. Here, you can learn more about black teeth. More specifically, you can learn what causes the inside of a tooth to appear black. Even more importantly, you can learn what can be done about a tooth broke in half black inside. When you visit the best dentist in town in Houston, Texas, you’ll learn that a half broken molar tooth isn’t the end of the world. Here at Omega Dental Specialists, we thrive to get you the help you need, whether it involves a broken molar tooth or something else.

Reasons why you might find a tooth broke in half black inside

The Metal Filling Is Exposed

Older fillings were made of metal such as silver amalgam or even mercury. If your tooth is damaged, such as in the case of a broken molar, the metal often begins to turn black when it is exposed to the air. This is especially true if you have a molar broke off at gum line. However, it can happen with any broken tooth. It is also worth noting that mercury can be potentially dangerous. Therefore, it is no longer used in fillings. That said, a half broken molar tooth with an exposed metal filling needs to be dealt with as quickly as possible. Even with a broken tooth no pain, you should still see a dental specialist right away. One of the most important things you can remember about your dental health is that your problems won’t just go away if you choose to ignore them. Instead, they are likely to get worse over time.

Pulp Necrosis

Pulp necrosis is another issue that can cause a broken molar tooth to appear black in color. The pulp is located in the middle of the tooth. Unless you are dealing with a broken tooth, you won’t be able to see the pulp. However, it is possible for the pulp to become inflamed. This can occur as the direct result of disease or injury. In extreme cases, the inflamed pulp eventually becomes infected and the tooth dies. As it does, the pulp turns black. If you experience a molar broke off at gum line that appears black in the center, it is imperative that you make an appointment to be seen immediately. The same is true if you have had a previous root canal and are now having an issue with that tooth. If your root canal tooth broke, it may be because a problem is occurring with the health of that tooth. Either one of these situations can be considered a dental emergency. If your tooth isn’t already infected, it is likely that it will become so rather quickly. Since an infected tooth provides a direct route for the infection to enter the bloodstream, it is crucial that this type of emergency be taken care of immediately.

Tooth Decay

While pulp necrosis can cause a tooth to die from within, tooth decay can cause the same thing, starting on the outside of the tooth and working its way in. Have you ever thought, “My teeth are breaking into pieces” when you brush or eat certain foods? This may be due to widespread tooth decay. If you have a tooth broke in half, it may be due to some type of traumatic injury. However, it could also be because of tooth decay. Even if you have a broken tooth no pain, it is still crucial to take care of the problem. Your oral health is vitally important. In fact, it can have a heavy influence on your overall physical health. Therefore, a broken tooth must be dealt with swiftly, regardless of the cause. It is also important to note that you may not be able to eat properly until you deal with your oral health issues. For some, the pain may come and go but for others, it could be so severe that it even prevents you from sleeping at night. Regardless of your level of pain, you need to be seen as quickly as possible.

Intrinsic Staining

This is not as common as the aforementioned causes, but it is still worth mentioning. Oddly enough, the type of staining described here usually has a direct tie to receiving certain types of antibiotics as a child. Some of those medications can cause a broken tooth to appear black in the center. In this particular instance, the tooth may not necessarily be diseased. However, it may appear similar to other teeth affected by various injuries or diseases. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, “my crown fell off and my tooth is black,” it could be because of intrinsic staining.

Now that you know what can cause a broken tooth to turn black, it’s time to find out how your dental specialist can treat it.

My Crown Fell Off and My Tooth Is Black

Perhaps you have some previous dental work that needs to be addressed. If you have a crown that has become loose or even fallen off, you should make an appointment immediately. Typically, a crown is placed because a tooth has been injured or adversely affected by disease. As a result, it’s best not to allow it to fall off, as this can cause further injury to the tooth. If you have lost a crown and are now dealing with a tooth broke in half, it is definitely time to do something about it. Sometimes patients have a tendency to put this procedure off because they are concerned about the cost of dental crown. However, you may be putting your health at risk by avoiding the problem. If you are concerned about paying for any necessary dental work, give us a call. That way, we can walk you through everything and answer any questions you might have. Most people find that it is possible for them to get the dental work they need. When you consider the fact that your oral health and your overall physical health are closely intertwined, it often becomes easier to see why you shouldn’t ignore issues with your teeth.

Root Canal

Remember the earlier section about pulp necrosis? The common treatment for this condition is a root canal. During the procedure, the pulp is removed from the affected tooth. The area is then cleaned thoroughly. Patients have a tendency to be fearful of such a procedure. That said, it may be necessary in order to help you regain your oral health. If you are feeling pain in a particular tooth, it may be due to inflamed pulp that needs to be removed so you can begin to heal.

See Also: Failed Root Canal Symptoms

My Teeth Are Breaking Into Pieces

A root canal may be the correct treatment for someone who has a rather isolated problem. However, you may actually need a tooth extraction if the problem is more severe. In some cases, only one tooth is causing the problem and it must be pulled. In other cases, there may be several teeth that need to be removed. In such instances, we can help you learn more about dental implants as treatment option. Some patients only need a few dental implants. Others require more extensive work. You may even need a full set of dentures. Rest assured, we can help you determine a treatment plan that will get your oral health, and your smile, back on track.

Meeting Your Needs

There are few things more frustrating than going to a dental specialist that doesn’t listen to your concerns. You may have concerns about a number of things. At Omega Dental Specialists, we strive to ensure that all of our patients in and around Houston, Texas get the treatment they need. We also work tirelessly to ensure that you are heard when you voice your concerns. We are more than happy to answer your questions, alleviate your fears and make the experience more comfortable overall. It is our goal to ensure that you have the best oral health possible. It is also our goal to give you the best experience possible. Even if you have had less than pleasant experiences in the past, it is important to pay attention to the health of your teeth. Many issues with oral health can be curtailed if they are caught early enough. Therefore, you should never hesitate to make an appointment with us.

If you are looking for a dental office that can truly make a difference, contact us at Omega Dental Specialists in Houston, Texas. Don’t put off making an appointment because you think you’ve waited too long or you’re ashamed of the condition of your teeth. Give us a call and let us help you today.