What to Do When Your Front Tooth Turns Yellow and Becomes Sensitive After an Accident

If a front tooth has a chipped corner after a car accident and has started to turn yellow and become sensitive, it is important to take the following steps: 1. Visit a Dentist: Schedule an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment. 2. Avoid Certain Foods: Refrain from consuming very hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks that may exacerbate sensitivity

Last week, I had an accident that caused a fracture on the corner of my right front tooth.
After going to the emergency room, the doctor did a temporary filling on the broken area but advised that I need to have a complete dental restoration done later.
I also scheduled a follow-up appointment in a month for nerve observation to determine if a root canal treatment is necessary.

In the meantime, I have been wearing clear aligners, but I temporarily stopped using them due to the pain in my front tooth.
Recently, the fractured area of the tooth has started to turn yellow, and the broken part appears slightly translucent.
I have also noticed increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods.

I would like to ask the doctor whether I should proceed with a complete dental restoration now or wait for the nerve observation in a month for further evaluation.
Additionally, will resuming the use of the aligners affect my right front tooth? Thank you for your response, doctor.

Miss Huang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/07/16

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry

The above situation indicates that the dental nerve has likely become inflamed.
If the sensitivity symptoms persist, it is recommended to undergo root canal treatment; otherwise, the dental nerve may necrose in the future, leading to an infection at the root apex and the formation of an abscess.
Additionally, if reapplying a dental crown exerts pressure on the affected tooth, it may exacerbate the pain.
It is advisable to consult a dentist for further treatment.

Reply Date: 2017/07/16

More Info

After experiencing an accident that resulted in a chipped front tooth, it’s understandable to be concerned about the changes you’re noticing, such as the yellowing of the tooth, increased sensitivity to temperature, and the transparency of the chipped area. These symptoms can indicate that the tooth may be undergoing changes that require prompt attention.

First and foremost, the yellowing and sensitivity you are experiencing could be signs of pulp damage or inflammation. When a tooth is chipped, especially if it exposes the inner dentin or pulp, it can lead to increased sensitivity to hot and cold stimuli. The yellowing may also suggest that the tooth is undergoing necrosis or that the dentin is becoming more visible due to enamel loss. The transparency of the chipped area could indicate that the enamel is compromised, which can happen after trauma.

Given that your dentist has advised a complete restoration of the tooth, it is crucial to follow through with this recommendation as soon as possible. While waiting for the scheduled nerve observation appointment, it is advisable to have the tooth properly restored to protect it from further damage and to alleviate the sensitivity. A complete restoration can help seal the tooth, prevent bacteria from entering, and potentially reduce sensitivity. If the nerve is indeed damaged, delaying treatment could lead to more severe complications, such as an abscess or the need for root canal therapy.

Regarding your question about wearing your invisible aligners again, it’s important to consider the condition of your front tooth. If the aligners apply pressure to the affected tooth, it could exacerbate the pain and sensitivity you are experiencing. Therefore, it would be wise to consult your dentist before resuming the use of your aligners. They may recommend waiting until the tooth has been fully restored and assessed for any nerve damage before continuing with orthodontic treatment.

In summary, it is advisable to prioritize the complete restoration of your chipped front tooth rather than waiting for the nerve observation appointment. This proactive approach can help prevent further complications and manage your symptoms more effectively. Additionally, consult your dentist regarding the use of your aligners to ensure that you are not putting undue stress on the affected tooth during this healing period. Regular follow-ups with your dentist will be essential to monitor the condition of your tooth and to make informed decisions about your dental health moving forward.

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