Both of my lower wisdom teeth erupted brown. I don’t know why it happened, but I’m self-conscious about it. Also, my lower molar teeth are darker than the rest. Could something be wrong with my tooth enamel? My dentist’s first available appointment is March 6, but I can’t stop thinking about what’s happening with my teeth. Can a dentist restore them? Will porcelain veneers work?
Although Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your teeth and take X-rays, we can use your description to describe what may be happening with your teeth. Remember that the explanation is not a diagnosis without an in-person appointment.
Why Are Your Wisdom Teeth Brown?
If your wisdom teeth erupted brown, you may have defective enamel. Decay can turn tooth enamel brown, but if the tooth erupts brown, it’s not from decay. A medical condition may cause discolored tooth enamel if other molar teeth are brown. Sometimes, a medical condition or medication taken while teeth form can affect their color as they erupt.
Defective enamel can make teeth susceptible to decay. A dentist would recommend a dental crown if a tooth is weak from decay or other causes. However, a weak or discolored wisdom tooth doesn’t need a crown because wisdom teeth are often problematic and need extractions anyway. Your dentist will examine and x-ray your teeth and review your medical and prescription histories to determine the cause of discoloration. Afterward, the dentist can recommend treatment to improve the shade of your teeth.
Will Porcelain Veneers Work for Molar Teeth?
Porcelain veneers will not withstand the forces of biting and chewing on molar teeth. A cosmetic dentist can recommend an alternative to porcelain veneers for discoloration. Depending on your teeth’s condition and the cause of discoloration, teeth whitening or dental crowns may be appropriate.
If your dentist doesn’t have post-graduate cosmetic dentistry training, schedule a second opinion with an advanced cosmetic dentist to compare your treatment options.
Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.
Photos of Dr. Brooksher’s patient. A tooth’s condition and location determine cosmetic dentistry options.
