Trauma and the pulp
A blow to the tooth can damage the pulp. The tooth darkens because of bleeding within the tissues or because the pulp dies (necrosis). At first this can happen without obvious pain — but infection is developing all the same.
Other causes of colour change
Plaque and tartar, tooth resorption (TR) in cats, infection inside the root. Dental X-rays show the condition of the root and the pulp.
- Post-traumatic darkening — the pulp needs to be assessed
- Resorption (TR) in cats
- Root infection or abscess
- Surface staining from food — less often
Why a pet may keep eating with a darkened tooth
A necrotic pulp does not always cause sharp pain straight away. The animal keeps eating while the infection progresses. An owner who dismisses it as “it has just darkened” risks an abscess.
Diagnosis
Examination under anaesthesia and dental radiography. I assess the pulp, the root and the bone around it.
The vet's approach
Root canal treatment, monitoring or extraction — it depends on the X-rays and the clinical condition. Whitening is not treatment.
What the owner should do
Do not ignore darkening “because it doesn't hurt”. Book an examination, especially after an injury.
When to see a vet
- A tooth has changed colour after a blow or for no obvious reason
- The darkening comes with swelling or a bad smell
- The pet avoids chewing on the side of the affected tooth
- A canine has darkened after chewing hard objects
- In a cat, a tooth that looks “worn away” or pink near the gum line
- Swelling under the eye on the same side
- A routine check-up has found a change in colour
- More than a few days have passed since an injury — an examination is still needed
What not to do at home
- Do not ignore darkening “because it doesn't hurt”
- Do not wait for swelling to appear
- Do not decide on treatment without dental X-rays
- Do not try to “whiten” the tooth
- Do not put it off after an injury
Frequently asked questions
Not always, but it needs assessing. Dental radiography helps assess the root and the tissues around its tip; the state of the pulp is judged together with the clinical and radiographic findings.
Whitening is not treatment. The cause of the colour change has to be dealt with.
Yes, TR can cause darkening, a “worn-away” look and a pink line near the gum.
Sometimes, yes — with root canal treatment. Dental X-rays show whether that is possible.
After an injury, as soon as possible. If there is swelling, urgently.
Sources and professional guidelines
- WSAVA Global Dental GuidelinesGlobal guidelines for veterinary dentistry
- AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and CatsClinical guidelines for dental care
- AVDC NomenclatureAVDC nomenclature and terminology
- AVDC: Tooth ResorptionClassification of tooth resorption (TR) by stage and type
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