Tooth Broke Black Inside? What It Means & What to Do!

Decoding a Broken Tooth with a Black Interior

Finding a broken tooth is unsettling, and discovering a black interior can be even more alarming. This article aims to explain what the blackness might mean and what steps you should take to address the situation. We’ll break down the potential causes and offer practical advice to guide you through this dental concern.

Understanding the Black Discoloration Inside a Broken Tooth

The black you see isn’t necessarily "black decay" in the traditional sense. Several factors can contribute to this coloration within a broken tooth. Understanding these possibilities is the first step in addressing the problem.

Potential Causes of Blackness

Here are the most common culprits:

• Tooth Decay (Caries): Severe decay can penetrate deep into the tooth, reaching the pulp (the inner core containing nerves and blood vessels). This decay can appear dark brown or black.
  • Advanced decay often leaves a hollow cavity, exposing the darkened inner layers.
• Dead Pulp Tissue (Necrosis): When the pulp dies, due to trauma, deep decay, or infection, it can discolor. The decomposition process can lead to the formation of dark compounds, staining the tooth from the inside.
• Blood Staining: Trauma that breaks a tooth can rupture blood vessels within the pulp. The blood can leak into the dentinal tubules (tiny channels within the tooth) and cause discoloration, appearing black, brown, or even reddish-purple.
• Amalgam Staining: If you have (or previously had) an amalgam (silver) filling in the tooth, tiny particles of the metal can leach into the tooth structure over time, causing a grey or black discoloration. This is more likely to be visible after a breakage.
• Root Canal Treatment: Although typically done to save a tooth, sometimes the materials used during a root canal, or the process itself, can contribute to darkening over time. This is less common immediately after treatment, but possible years later.
• External Factors: Less commonly, exposure to certain medications or chemicals can contribute to internal tooth staining that appears as blackness when the tooth is broken.

Differentiating Between Causes

While this article provides general information, pinpointing the exact cause requires a professional dental examination.

Symptom	Possible Cause(s)
Pain	Decay, infected pulp, exposed nerve
Sensitivity to temperature	Decay, exposed dentin, nerve damage
Swelling or tenderness	Infection, abscess
No pain	Dead pulp (sometimes, especially in the early stages), amalgam staining
Recent trauma	Blood staining, nerve damage

Immediate Actions After Discovering a Broken Tooth with Black Interior

A broken tooth, especially one with discoloration, needs prompt attention. Here’s what to do:

1. Rinse Your Mouth: Gently rinse your mouth with warm water. This helps remove debris and any loose fragments.
2. Control Bleeding: If there’s bleeding, apply gentle pressure to the area with a clean gauze pad or cloth.
3. Pain Relief: If you’re experiencing pain, take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, following the package instructions.
4. Protect the Broken Tooth: If possible, try to cover the sharp edges with dental wax (available at most pharmacies) or sugar-free chewing gum to prevent further irritation to your tongue and cheeks.
5. Contact Your Dentist Immediately: This is the most crucial step. Explain the situation clearly to the dental office staff, emphasizing the breakage and the black discoloration. They will likely schedule an emergency appointment.
6. Save Any Broken Pieces (If Possible): If you find any pieces of the broken tooth, carefully rinse them and store them in a clean container (like a small Ziploc bag) with milk or saliva. Your dentist might be able to reattach them.

Dental Treatments for a Broken Tooth with Black Discoloration

The appropriate treatment will depend entirely on the cause of the blackness, the extent of the damage, and the health of the remaining tooth structure. Your dentist will conduct a thorough examination, including X-rays, to determine the best course of action. Here are some potential treatments:

• Root Canal Therapy: If the pulp is infected or dead, root canal therapy is often necessary. This involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning and shaping the root canals, and filling them with a biocompatible material.
  • After a root canal, a crown is usually placed to protect the weakened tooth.
• Filling or Crown: If the decay is extensive but the pulp isn’t severely affected, a filling or crown might be sufficient. The dentist will remove the decayed portion and restore the tooth’s structure.
  • A crown provides more coverage and support than a filling, especially for back teeth or teeth that have undergone significant damage.
• Extraction: In severe cases where the tooth is beyond repair (e.g., extensive decay reaching below the gum line, severe infection), extraction might be the only option.
  • Following extraction, your dentist will discuss tooth replacement options, such as implants, bridges, or dentures, to prevent shifting of adjacent teeth and maintain proper bite.
• Teeth Whitening (Post-Treatment): If the black discoloration is primarily due to staining that remains after the underlying issue (decay, dead pulp) has been addressed, internal or external teeth whitening might be considered to improve the tooth’s appearance. This is only appropriate if the tooth is structurally sound and has been properly restored.
• Veneers: If only a portion of the tooth is broken and discolored, a veneer may provide an aesthetic solution.

Preventing Future Tooth Breakage and Discoloration

While some tooth breakages are unavoidable (e.g., due to accidents), you can take steps to minimize your risk:

• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
• Regular Dental Checkups: Visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. This allows for early detection and treatment of decay.
• Wear a Mouthguard: If you participate in sports or grind your teeth at night, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from trauma.
• Avoid Chewing Hard Objects: Don’t chew on ice, hard candies, or other objects that can crack or break your teeth.
• Address Tooth Grinding (Bruxism): If you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about treatment options, such as a night guard.
• Diet: Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, which can contribute to tooth decay.

These steps can help keep your teeth strong and healthy, reducing the likelihood of breakage and discoloration.

So, if your tooth broke black inside, don’t panic! Just schedule an appointment with your dentist. They’ll help you figure out what’s going on and get your smile back on track!