Changes

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

[[File:Dental discoloration.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Tooth discolouration following trauma]]

[[File:Dental discoloration.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Tooth discolouration following trauma]]

The normal colour of teeth varies and depends on the shade, translucency and thickness of the [[Enamel Organ#Enamel|enamel]].  

The normal colour of teeth varies and depends on the shade, translucency and thickness of the [[Tooth - Anatomy & Physiology#Enamel|enamel]].  

Teeth can discolour following trauma to the tooth. It can be any colour from pink to black, resulting from the haemoglobin breakdown products settling in the dentinal tubules. Studies show that 92% of discoloured teeth have irreversible pulpitis. The pulp may then get secondary infected by anachoresis.  

Teeth can discolour following trauma to the tooth. It can be any colour from pink to black, resulting from the haemoglobin breakdown products settling in the dentinal tubules. Studies show that 92% of discoloured teeth have irreversible pulpitis. The pulp may then get secondary infected by anachoresis.  

There are two basic kinds of discolouration:

There are two basic kinds of discolouration:

:'''Intrinsic staining''': secondary to endogenous factors discolouring the underlying [[Enamel Organ#Dentine|dentine]]

:'''Intrinsic staining''': secondary to endogenous factors discolouring the underlying [[Tooth - Anatomy & Physiology#Dentine|dentine]]

:'''Extrinsic staining''': from surface accumulation of exogenous pigment

:'''Extrinsic staining''': from surface accumulation of exogenous pigment

===External Resorption===

===External Resorption===

This is caused by many conditions such as '''trauma, orthodontic treatment, [[Periodontal Disease|periodontal disease]], tumours and periapical inflammation'''. [[Bones - Anatomy & Physiology#Cells|Osteoclasts]] resorb the tooth structure.

This is caused by many conditions such as '''trauma, orthodontic treatment, [[Periodontal Disease|periodontal disease]], tumours and periapical inflammation'''. [[Bones - Anatomy & Physiology#Cells|Odontooclasts]] resorb the tooth structure.

===Medications===

===Medications===

Food or plaque-related discolourations should be obvious on close dental examination and probing.

Food or plaque-related discolourations should be obvious on close dental examination and probing.

'''Radiographs''' should be performed to assess the viability of the tooth.

'''Radiographs''' should be performed to assess the secondary complications from pulp necrosis of the tooth.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

For '''extrinsic staining''', internal or external bleaching can be performed, or veneers or crowns can be placed on the tooth.

For '''extrinsic staining''', veneers or crowns can be placed on the tooth.

For '''intrinsic staining''', endodontic treatment is often the treatment of choice.

For '''intrinsic staining''', endodontic treatment is often the treatment of choice if the pulp is nonvital.

Restorative procedures such as crowns or veneers will protect both the tooth and the pulp.

Restorative procedures such as crowns or veneers will protect both the tooth and the pulp.

{{Learning

{{Learning

|flashcards = [[Veterinary Dentistry Q&A 04]]

|flashcards = [[Veterinary Dentistry Q&A 04]]

}}

}}