Expert: Gary Backlund, DMD, MSD - 12/10/2009

Question
QUESTION: Dr. Backlund, I am wondering, are there any stain diseases OR stain related issues associated with pain or soreness? In other words, do any gray stains on the outside of the tooth cause any pain on teeth, whether if it's root canalled teeth or non-root canalled teeth? I'm wondering if any stains on a tooth can cause pain, or any light gray spots on teeth? OR perhaps beacause of an INSIDE issue, it causes a gray stain outside or some sort of stain, indicating there's an issue? thank you.

ANSWER: Hi Janifer,

The only time a stain would be associated with pain would be after a tooth has died, usually from trauma, and the blood vessels inside the tooth are ruptured. This can result in a gray internal stain, just like a black %26 blue spot on your arm. The pain could come from the dead tooth, but it would not be caused by the stain. External staining would not cause or be associated with any pain.

Hope this helps.

Gary Backlund DMD, MSD

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Dr. Backlund for getting back to me. Is it normal that after a root canal procedure, there's that gray stain we are talking about right outside of the tooth? Does a stain after a root canal procedure indicate anything wrong, especially when the tooth is still hurting? I know I would need to go see an endodontist and what have you, but I'm curious if stains after a root canal mean anything wrong?

Answer
Hi again Janifer,

Actually, I don't know how to answer your question. In our office, we never have stains after treatment, so I really have no idea where your stain is coming from or whether it can cause any problems. I would suggest that you call your dentist and ask him/her those questions before spending the money on an endodontist. Since the tooth is still hurting, you may have a problem still going on, but I would doubt it would be related to any stain associated with your root canal.

Gary Backlund DMD, MSD