What should I do if my front tooth has a cavity and turned black?

Generally, blackened front teeth due to tooth decay might be caused by factors such as pigmentation, aging, smoking, tetracycline medication, or apical periodontitis. Treatment options, under a physician's guidance, may include routine treatment, tooth extraction, dental fillings, crown restoration, or medication. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Pigmentation

Consumption over time of pigmented foods and beverages such as tea, coffee, cola, and red wine may lead to surface staining on teeth, causing blackening of the front teeth due to decay. Maintaining good oral hygiene, regular tooth brushing, and using dental floss are recommended. Tooth extraction, which involves surgically removing severely damaged or non-restorable teeth from the alveolar bone, may be performed under the guidance of a professional physician. The reference cost typically ranges from 200 to 1500 RMB per tooth. Improvement is usually noticeable after half an hour, although complications such as bleeding or infection may occur.

2. Aging

As people age, enamel gradually wears away, exposing the underlying dentin. Since dentin is naturally darker than enamel, teeth may appear darker or blackened. Maintaining oral hygiene and avoiding excessive tooth wear are important. If decay is severe, dental fillings are recommended under the guidance of a professional. Fillings involve restoring the tooth's shape and function by filling cavities or defects with artificial materials such as resin or ceramic. The reference cost is generally between 100 to 500 RMB per tooth. Improvement is typically noticeable after 30 minutes, although symptoms such as sensitivity or material detachment may occur.

3. Smoking

Tar and other chemicals in tobacco can form a dark layer of deposit on the tooth surface. Long-term smoking may cause blackening of the front teeth. Quitting smoking and maintaining oral hygiene are advised. Crown restoration, under professional guidance, may also be considered. Crown restoration involves placing a custom-made crown, closely matching the tooth's original shape and color, over the damaged tooth to restore its appearance and function. The reference cost usually ranges from 1000 to 6000 RMB per tooth. Improvement is often noticeable after an hour, although complications such as crown detachment or a foreign body sensation may occur.

4. Tetracycline Medication

Administration of tetracycline antibiotics during tooth development and mineralization may cause tooth discoloration, typically from yellow to black, leading to blackened front teeth due to decay. Tooth color changes may also occur. Treatment may involve medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, metronidazole oral adhesive tablets, or tinidazole lozenges, as directed by a physician.

5. Apical Periodontitis

Apical periodontitis is an inflammation at the tip of the tooth root caused by bacterial infection. It may cause tooth discoloration, typically appearing as dark brown or black, resulting in blackened front teeth due to decay. Symptoms may include red and swollen gums, loose teeth, and tooth discoloration. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as metronidazole tablets, amoxicillin capsules, or compound metronidazole capsules as prescribed.

It is recommended to visit a reputable hospital and undergo procedures under the guidance of qualified professionals to ensure effectiveness and safety. To maintain dental health and prevent blackening of the front teeth, it is important to limit consumption of pigmented foods, quit smoking, maintain good oral hygiene, brush regularly, and use dental floss to prevent surface staining and tooth decay.