Expert: Gary Backlund, DMD, MSD - 10/25/2008

Question
i have 2 teeth at the bottom of my mouth that the dentist has\said have died. i clean my teeth regularly and cannot think of any trauma\that may have damaged them. Are there any medical conditions that can affect the nerves to the teeth that may be the cause. i am arranging to have these treated and wonder if the colour will return, many thanks\ dawn

Answer
Hi Dawn,

I'm sorry to hear you need two root canals. There really are no systemic diseases that would only involve 2 teeth...there are some that affect your entire dentition, but not specifically the nerves of teeth. If these are your lower front teeth, I would suspect some trauma...it may not have been even enough for you to remember, since you can't. It could be at a drinking fountain in school, a bump when you fell, even orthodontics...there are just so many, and like I said, it can be a pretty light bump sometimes.

As for color, often when the dead material is removed from the inside of the tooth, the color gets much lighter. If they are still dark, it may be possible to bleach them. You can ask your dentist about that.

Hope this helps.

Gary Backlund DMD, MSD