From Volume 41, Issue 2, March 2014 | Pages 98-110
The single discoloured tooth is commonly encountered in general practice. This is the first of two articles covering the broad range of management options for the single discoloured tooth. This first part outlines the common causes of discoloration and possible methods of prevention. Minimally invasive techniques are covered. Clinical procedures are outlined and clinical cases used to demonstrate outcomes that can be achieved.
In general practice, patients present relatively frequently complaining of discoloured teeth. It is thought that the value placed on aesthetics by western societies is increasing.1,2 Accordingly, when a single tooth is involved, particularly in the upper anterior region, patients are often very conscious of their appearance and highly motivated to try to resolve the problem. Appropriate management strategies can range from monitoring of the discoloration to extraction of the tooth involved and prosthodontic replacement. Careful assessment and diagnosis of the tooth concerned and consideration of the status of adjacent teeth is therefore essential in guiding the clinician to the most appropriate management strategy. The procedures involved can vary in their predictability of resolution of the discoloration and stability of final result over time. An explanation of these issues is therefore a vital part of the consent process in such cases.
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