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The unrestored discoloured anterior tooth: when to intervene

From Volume 52, Issue 3, March 2025 | Pages 164-174

Authors

Chris Redman

BDS, MSc, Dip FFGDP (UK), Dip MGDS (RCSEng), Dip MFDS (RCSEng), PGCMEd, MOD, General Dental Practitioner, Plymouth

Articles by Chris Redman

Robert Smith

BDS, MSc, MFDS RCS, MFDTEd, BDS, MSc, MEndoRCS, MFDS RCS, FDTFEd,

BDS, MSc, MEndo (RCSEd), MFDS (RCSEd), FDTFEd, Specialist in Endodontics, Defence Primary Healthcare (Dental), Defence Centre for Rehabilitative Dentistry, Aldershot

Articles by Robert Smith

Email Robert Smith

Abstract

This article uses a series of clinical case examples to highlight the importance of comprehensive history taking and examination when carrying out a dental inspection of a patient with an unrestored discoloured anterior tooth. The role of dental trauma in tooth discolouration and advice on clinical intervention is discussed.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Management of patients with unrestored discoloured anterior teeth may be optimized by early identification and diagnosis of the problem.

Article

The unrestored discoloured anterior tooth (UDAT) is a relatively common finding in general dental practice. Colour changes may be subtle, with insidious onset, and some patients may be both unaware their tooth is discoloured and unable to recollect any precipitating factors.

It is not uncommon for the unconcerned and asymptomatic patient to have been seen by multiple dental professionals over the years without full investigation of their UDAT. However, discoloured teeth should ideally be identified and assessed during routine dental inspection and, where such teeth have been noted previously, legacy records should be consulted to determine if and how the situation has changed.

Depending on the diagnosis, appraisal of treatment options and patient wishes, with consent, active monitoring or restorative/surgical intervention may be planned for a UDAT.

This article outlines the aetiology of single-tooth discolouration and presents the results of a service evaluation of UDAT in primary care, illustrated with case examples. The authors also offer advice on history taking, clinical and radiographic examination, and management of these teeth.

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