Tooth Discoloration After Trauma, What’s Next?

Traumatic dental injuries require specific treatment protocols to achieve optimal results. If you experience dental trauma, it is critical that you see a dentist immediately who has training and experience in the proper treatment.  Generally speaking, endodontists are the ones best equipped to manage trauma to the teeth. One manifestation of trauma can be the discoloration of the traumatized tooth. At Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio, we have specialized training in treating traumatic dental injuries, including when a tooth discolors. Below, we explain traumatic dental injuries, why tooth discoloration sometimes occurs, and how we can treat it.

Treatment for a Damaged Pulp

Each tooth contains nerves and blood vessels referred to as the “pulp,” which is contained in the root canal space. If the tooth’s pulp has been damaged, root canal treatment may be necessary to save it. Root canal treatment involves removing the tooth’s damaged pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the root canal space, and sealing it. This is done through a small access opening in the tooth or crown. Lastly, the access opening is filled, generally with a white filling.

What Causes Tooth Discoloration After Injury?

When a tooth is injured or damaged, and the pulp dies, this can cause the tooth to discolor. If you have a tooth that has darkened after an injury, it’s important to schedule an appointment as soon as possible at our office so we can assess the damage and determine the proper course of treatment. Often the tooth can be bleached internally and returned to its natural color.  The sooner this procedure is performed, the more likely it is to be successful.

If You’ve Experienced Injury or Damage to a Tooth, Call Us Today!

At Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio, we are experts in treating traumatic dental injuries. Our specialized training allows us to perform the necessary treatments to save your tooth and improve the health and appearance of your smile. To learn more, call us today at (210) 497-6699.

Dr. Richard Davis, DDS

Richard D. Davis, DDS, graduated from high school in Japan, attended the University of Washington dental school, and joined the Air Force as a general dentist in 1978. He completed the Air Force one-year AEGD residency, a two-year Advanced General Dentistry Residency, and a fellowship in biomaterials at the University of Indiana. Dr. Davis was a clinical instructor, research director, and lecturer at the Air Force. He has published many scientific articles and research papers, and has lectured on many topics. Following retirement from the Air Force in 1999, he completed the graduate program in endodontics at the University of Oregon in 2001, and joined Dr. Schwartz and has been in private practice in endodontics since then.

Dr. Richard Schwartz, DDS
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Richard S. Schwartz, DDS, graduated from the University of Minnesota dental school in 1977. He was a restorative dentist for 19 years: Early in his career, he attended a two-year general dentistry residency while in the US Air Force, and then did a combination of private practice, teaching, and dental materials research before entering endodontic post-graduate training in 1996. He has authored over 100 articles and abstracts in scientific journals and lectured extensively in the US and in 21 other countries, including 12 times at the American Association of Endodontists’ national meeting. Since 1998 Dr. Schwartz has been in full-time private practice in endodontics in San Antonio, TX, and has practiced with Dr. Davis since 2001. He was a founding member and first secretary/treasurer of the International Association of Endodontics. He is also a member of the American Dental Association and International Association of Dental Specialists.

Dr. Zhangrui Liang, DDS, MS

Dr. Zhangrui “Zac” Liang, DDS, MS, grew up in China and has been in the US since 2015. He attended dental school in China and did his endodontic training at UCLA, where he also received a Masters of Science degree. He has practiced with Dr. Davis and Dr. Schwartz since 2022.

Dr. Wisam Sakr, DDS, MS

Dr. Wisam Sakr has nearly 20 years of dental experience. He graduated from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry and further honed his skills through an AEGD program at Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. He also earned a Specialty and Master’s degree in Endodontics from West Virginia University Health and Science Center. Dr. Sakr is a dedicated member of the American Association of Endodontics and American Dental Association. He is committed to providing top-notch dental care with the latest technology in a compassionate and professional setting.