Your broken tooth is likely brown due to internal bleeding within the tooth.
The Science Behind the Brown Color
When a tooth is broken, the internal structures can be damaged. Here's what's happening:
- Blood Supply: All teeth, whether baby teeth or adult teeth, have a blood supply and nerve that enter through the root.
- Trauma Disruption: When a tooth is hit hard enough to break, these blood vessels, nerves, and veins can be disrupted.
- Internal Bleeding: The breaking of small blood vessels causes bleeding within the tooth.
- Color Change: The broken blood vessels inside the tooth result in a brown or orange color. This is similar to how a bruise appears under the skin.
Understanding Tooth Anatomy and Trauma
Here's a more detailed look at what's going on:
- Pulp Damage: The inner part of the tooth, called the pulp, contains nerves and blood vessels. Trauma from the broken tooth can damage the pulp.
- Discoloration Process: The blood released from damaged vessels begins to change color. Hemoglobin, the protein in blood, breaks down, resulting in a brown or orange tint, and eventually can turn grey or black.
- Progression: The discoloration may not be immediately apparent but may develop over time as the blood breaks down.
What To Do Next
If you have a broken and discolored tooth:
- See a Dentist: It’s crucial to seek professional dental care as soon as possible.
- Treatment Options: Your dentist can assess the damage and recommend the appropriate treatment, which might include:
- A filling
- A root canal if the pulp is severely damaged.
- A crown to restore the tooth’s shape and function.
- In severe cases, extraction might be necessary.
Summary
| Problem | Explanation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Broken Tooth | Trauma disrupts the tooth's internal blood supply. | Tooth discoloration |
| Blood Vessel Damage | Internal bleeding occurs from damaged blood vessels in the pulp. | Brown or orange tooth discoloration |
| Hemoglobin Breakdown | The blood breaks down, resulting in color changes. | Potential grey or black discoloration |
| Need for Dental Treatment | Damage can be severe and may cause further complications. | Professional dental care is necessary. |
