Absolutely petrified - possible root canal

[Mary G.]

I have a lateral incisor that's slightly more yellow than my other teeth. All my teeth are on the yellow side but this one is more yellow. When I look at the backside of the tooth it appears more stained than the others. I also have a craze line on the backside which might explain the extra staining.

I was reading online that a single discolored tooth typically indicates a dead nerve. I immediately freaked out because this tooth has never experienced any trauma or decay. I decided to check if the nerve was sensitive to cold. I grabbed an ice cube and put it on this tooth to elicit a response. While I did feel a slight sensation it didn't happen as quickly as my other teeth. When I tap the tooth it feels like my other teeth. Other than the slight discoloration this tooth gives me no problems...no pain upon tapping or biting. I am now absolutely convinced that I will need a root canal and I'm petrified because I've never had one before and also the fact that this tooth is in my smile line.

I was just saw my dentist in late February to have some bonding replaced on a tooth (not this one). I also have my regular six month appointment coming up shortly for a cleaning and check up. Would my dentist not have said anything about the color when I was there for the bonding? I've been crying non stop about this.

Is it possible for a tooth nerve to just die on its own for no reason? I'll be 50 in November and have always taken good care of my teeth. My dentist always says that I have beautiful teeth so I'm completely at a loss as to what might be going on.
Could it just be a tooth just picks up more stains due to the craze line?

I'm so scared. Please....someone tell me what you think it might be.

 

[YoungAndAfraid]

Sorry to say that I'm no expert and. I couldn't tell you what it might be. Sorry that you are feeling so worried about it. I would make a point to bring it to the attention of the dentist at that next appointment and see what they say. Hopefully it isn't much.

Good Luck!

 

[Dr. Daniel]

Hi,

allow me to reassure you with my bottom line: it does not sound like a reason for a root canal.
A tooth might get a bit yellow and usually it is a kind of calcification in the pulp or the dentist due to extreme stimuli. In extreme cases, the pulp and the canal calcify so greatly to the degree that the nerve is no longer functioning but there is no infection nor inflammation, hence no reason to perform a root canal treatment.
In short: Discoloration by it self is not an indication for a root canal treatment. On the internet you will find much too much information, most of it alarming and for no reason.

 

[Mary G.]

Dr. Daniel, I can't thank you enough for taking the time to respond to my post. You've eased my mind. I'm obsessive about my teeth and tend to literally make myself sick with worry when I notice something that I think isn't normal. You're absolutely correct about the information on the internet. Thank you again.