Hello Dr. Hall,
My wisdom tooth is growing in brown? It’s only begun to peek out but that seems to be the case.
I’m really confused as to why/how this is happening.
For context, there is some minor darkening at the bottom of my back teeth.
I believe my enamel (for all my teeth) has been destroyed by acid as well, and I may have a few cavities.
…I read that enamel can’t be restored once it’s completely gone. I’ve scheduled a dentist appointment for next week (the soonest time available), but I can’t get my mind off of the matter.
Is there any way I can restore my teeth’s health & appearance? 🙁
– Polly
(See Dr. Hall’s answer below.)
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Polly,
There’s a lot I don’t know about your situation, so I’ll just give you my best guess based on what you’re telling me. It sounds like you have defective enamel on your wisdom tooth. Enamel can turn brown if there is decay that starts and then is arrested, but if is brown right when the tooth erupts, that wouldn’t be the case. The fact that you have darkening at the bottom of your back teeth leads me to believe that something happened to you, health-wise, at the time the enamel on those teeth was finishing forming, which would be at about the time the enamel on your wisdom teeth was forming.
If that is the case, you have defective enamel, the tooth will be very susceptible to decay and would likely end up needing a crown. But it is worth it, trying to save a wisdom tooth, especially since it would be difficult to do a quality crown on a wisdom tooth? That’s a judgment call you would have to make after consulting with a trusted dentist, and considering other cavities you may have.
– Dr. Hall
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About David A. Hall
Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.