Dead Teeth And How They Can Be Treated

A tooth can die, inciting a negative impact on your oral health. If the dead tooth is not discovered early enough, the tooth cannot be salvaged.

Here is a bit of information about a dead tooth and how it can be treated. 

Why Does a Tooth Die?

A tooth dies when its pulp is irreparably damaged. The pulp, which is the inner layer of the tooth material, contains the nerves and blood supply of the tooth. The damage to the pulp may stem from a traumatic incident or a cavity that has not been treated.

Can Any Tooth Die?

Any tooth in the mouth is susceptible to damage and death. Thus, even baby teeth can die. 

What Are the Indications That a Tooth Has Died?

Although the symptoms of a dead tooth may vary, there are some common indications that a tooth is no longer alive. Here are some of them:

• Discolored enamel — The discoloration is due to damaged blood vessels that incite a pink tooth color that turns a deep shade of gray over time.
• Foul breath — Bad breath is caused by the bacteria in the decomposing pulp material and the odors related to an infection that may occur as the microbes invade the tooth.
• Gingival swelling — The gums around the dead tooth may become inflamed and swell.
• Increased sensitivity to temperature changes — The damaged nerves within the tooth may become increasingly sensitive to heat and cold. 
• A bad taste in the mouth — The smell from the tooth can negatively impact the taste in the mouth and may even pollute the taste of foods.
• Tooth pain — Like an increased sensitivity to heat and cold, the discomfort associated with a dead tooth is due to damage to the dental nerves. 

Once the dentist treats the tooth, the symptoms subside.

How Is a Dead Tooth Treated?

Your dentist may offer several options to treat a dead tooth. They include:

• An extraction — The dead tooth can be removed. Its removal halts the progress of any associated infections and removes the damaged nerves that cause pain.
• A root canal — During a root canal, the pulp is removed from the tooth, and the hollow structure is filled and capped. A root canal treatment is often the preferred option since it can salvage the tooth. 

If you believe that you may have a dead tooth, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area.