One Tooth Is Darker Than the Others
A single dark tooth needs an explanation before whitening. Share past injuries and treatment, then separate tooth health from the colour decision.
One front tooth looks darker in a photograph, or a tooth you injured years ago has changed shade. Arrange a dental assessment before choosing a whitening product. The Canadian Dental Association recommends establishing the cause of discolouration, particularly when a tooth has previous treatment or a pronounced dark stain.[1]
Bring the tooth's history
Mention old knocks, chips, fillings and root canal treatment, even if they happened long before the colour change. Leeds Teaching Hospitals lists injury and previous root canal treatment among possible reasons for darker teeth. The colour alone does not establish what treatment is needed.[2]
Say when you first noticed the difference and whether it has changed. Report pain, sensitivity, swelling or a change in how the tooth feels when biting. If you have an earlier photograph or can identify the previous dentist, that may help reconstruct the history. A photograph provides context; it does not replace the examination.
Health and colour are separate questions
Ask what the examination found and whether tests or imaging are needed before discussing appearance. If treatment is recommended for the tooth itself, ask why. Do not assume a darker tooth automatically needs a root canal, or that the absence of pain settles the question.
For suitable teeth that have already had root canal treatment, internal or non-vital bleaching may be considered. That differs from applying a whitening product to the outside of all the teeth. The dentist needs to assess the existing treatment and explain the individual risks, expected change and review plan.[1][2]
Agree on a realistic cosmetic plan
Whitening may not produce an exact colour match, and colour can change again. Existing fillings and veneers do not lighten in the same way. Ask how a proposed option compares with leaving the colour alone or restoring the tooth, including maintenance and any tooth preparation. Avoid repeatedly increasing product strength while the cause remains unexplained.[2]