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Black Tooth Treatment

Expert diagnosis and treatment

A black or darkening tooth is often a sign of decay, an old injury or an infected nerve. Our London dentists find the cause and restore the tooth.

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Why is my tooth turning black?

Common causes of a black tooth

A tooth can turn grey or black because of decay, an old knock or injury, a dead or infected nerve, or staining from old fillings and certain foods and drinks.

Surface staining can usually be removed with a professional clean. A tooth that has darkened from within often means the nerve has died, and it needs to be assessed by a dentist.

Do not ignore a black tooth, especially if you also have pain, swelling or a bad taste, because an infection can spread to the root.

If you have severe pain or swelling, contact our emergency dentist team.

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How we treat a black tooth

Your dentist examines the tooth and takes an x-ray to find out why it has changed colour. Treatment depends on the cause, and may include a filling, a professional clean, root canal treatment to remove an infected nerve, or an internal whitening treatment to restore the colour.

Prices

The cost depends on the cause and the treatment you need. We give you a clear price after your examination and x-ray, before any treatment begins.

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Frequently asked questions about a black tooth

Is a black tooth always an emergency?
Not always, but it should be checked promptly. If you have pain, swelling or a bad taste, seek an urgent appointment.

Can a black tooth be saved?
In many cases yes. Root canal treatment can remove an infected nerve and keep the tooth in place.

Can a black tooth be whitened?
If the nerve has died, the tooth can often be lightened with internal whitening after root canal treatment.

Will I need an extraction?
Extraction is only recommended if the tooth cannot be restored. We will discuss every alternative with you first.

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Restoring the look of the tooth

Once the tooth is healthy, we can improve its appearance with internal whitening, composite bonding, a porcelain veneer or a crown, depending on how much of the tooth remains.

Your dentist will explain each option and how long it is expected to last.

What we offer

Your local dentist for life, Maida Smiles Dental Clinic in Maida Vale,  is a cosmetic, restorative and dental implant clinic in the heart of  London that also serves patients with general, everyday smile concerns.  We’re here no matter your smile concern.

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