Each Tooth has 3 major layers- Enamel, dentin, and pulp of which enamel and dentin are hard tissue and pulp is soft tissue.
The pulpal layer is vascular and innervated my nerves. When the nerves die due to reasons such as decay or injury and the tooth is no longer supplied with blood, it refers to as a dead tooth.
‘Necrotic pulp’ is a term used for a dead nerve in the tooth. A dead tooth is also termed a non-vital tooth.
This eventually leads to falling out of the tooth but one must not wait for the tooth to come out on its own because it might be harmful and infectious to the jaw and other teeth.
Contents
What are the Signs of a Dead Tooth?
Identifying and diagnosing a dead tooth should be done by a professional. Discoloration of the tooth and pain in gums or in the tooth might be thought of as the first symptom of a dead tooth for self-diagnosis.
1. Discoloration
However, the color of the tooth also depends upon diet and oral hygiene. A smile appears yellowish if we regularly consume foods that stain teeth like blueberries and coffee.
On the other hand, if a tooth is dying or dead, it could be yellow, light brown, grey, or black which is different than all other teeth.
The discoloration will occur more with further decaying of the tooth and death of nerves if it is untreated. Change in color occurs because the red blood cells die and have a bruising effect.
2. Pain
A dead or the dying tooth can lead to pain ranging from zero to extreme level which increases further with dying nerve or infection. Signs of infection also include-
1. Bad taste
2. Bad breath
3. Swelling around gums
The question arises that if the nerve is dead, why and how one experiences pain?
The answer here is that,
Bacteria and dead nerve remnants form pus in the pulp cavity of the tooth which applies force on the periodontal membrane outside the tooth and causes pain.
The periodontal membrane consists of highly sensitive nerve endings that are responsible for pain so we can say that the pain is not from inside the tooth but outside.
What Causes a Tooth to Die?
A tooth may die immediately or within days or several months.
Death can be caused by traumatic injury. such as the one during sports or some accident. This causes the blood vessels to burst or the blood supply to the tooth is obstructed. Due to a lack of blood supply, the nerves and tissues inside the pulp die.
Tooth decay can be another reason which causes cavities to form, penetrating deeper from the protective enamel layer with the passage of time. If not treated, the cavities can open up into pulp creating a pathway for bacteria, this cuts off blood supply and causes the death of nerves.
An inflammatory reaction inside the pulp will occur but it can not hold it for a long time. Gradually the pressure will build up inside the pulp. This also causes intense pain. It occurs due to poor oral hygiene causing contamination.
Diagnosis
X-rays help in identifying a dying tooth.
Seeing a dentist after experiencing pain or discoloration in the tooth can also help in identification.
This is why regular check-up from a dentist is very important, as well as, after some injury. This way treatment can begin as early as possible.
Treatment
There is a great risk of spread of bacteria and infection from the dying tooth to the rest of the teeth and also affect gums and jaw bone. In order to avoid additional loss of teeth, it must be treated as soon as possible.
Procedures such as Root Canal and Extraction are usually applied in this case.
1. Root Canal
In this process, the dentist makes an opening in the tooth to reach the pulp with the help of small instruments. The pulp is taken out and cleaned. After removal of infection, the dentist will fill and close the roots and keep a permanent filling in the opening.
Gradually, a tooth treated with a root canal becomes brittle which is why having a crown after the root canal is advisable especially for posterior teeth.
It provides extra support to the tooth. Crown is basically a covering fixed in the tooth. The dentist will remove the part of the existing tooth so as to fit the crown covering permanently over the tooth. It is of the color the same as the rest of the teeth to avoid noticing.
In cases where the crown is not needed, discoloration can be reduced with tooth-bleaching agents. This is usually for anterior teeth. The porcelain veneer is also an option for aesthetics.
2. Extraction
If the tooth is too damaged to be repaired, the dentist may suggest complete extraction of the tooth. It is a cheap and painless procedure.
In this process, the dentist completely removes the tooth. There are various options such as an implant, bridge, or prosthetic tooth for replacement of the removed tooth. They can be discussed with the dentist along with other queries of the patient.
Pain Management
Pain can occur from none to unbearable. In cases of intense pain, some steps can be taken until the treatment-
1. Hot beverages should be controlled to avoid inflammation and hence, more pain.
2. Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be consumed.
3. It is better to avoid eating hard things that pressure causing more pain.
4. A cold compress can be used
5. Medicated ointments can also help reduce the pain
These methods are advised till the treatment does not begin but professional help is always preferred.
Tips for Prevention
There is always some probability but to avoid the risk, some measures can be applied-
1. Good oral hygiene is a must. Brushing should be twice a day. Cleaning with an interdental brush or floss once a day is important too.
2. A routine check-up with the dentist. The problem can be avoided or diagnosed and treated much before decay reaches the pulp.
3. Protection from mechanical trauma with the help of equipment such a mouth guard or gum shield during sports or other such activities. Activities such as grinding teeth or opening things with mouth should be stopped.
4. Sweet sugary foods are one of the main reasons for tooth decay. A healthy diet should be maintained to cut down the risk.
5. Hydration with an ample amount of water daily is required to wash away the infections from teeth.
FAQ
A “dead tooth” is a term used to describe a tooth that is no longer receiving blood flow, leading to the death of the tooth’s nerve.
This condition can lead to a variety of dental problems if not treated promptly.
In this article, we’ll explore whether a dead tooth can be saved, how long it might take to fall out, and address other common questions about dead teeth.
1. Can a Dead Tooth Be Saved?
Yes, a dead tooth can often be saved through dental procedures, particularly root canal therapy. During a root canal, the dentist removes the dead nerve and pulp inside the tooth, cleans and disinfects the inner chamber, and then fills and seals it to prevent further infection. In some cases, a crown may be placed on the tooth to restore its strength and appearance.
If the tooth is too damaged or the infection is too severe, extraction may be the only option. However, saving the tooth is generally preferable, as it maintains the natural structure and prevents potential complications from missing teeth, such as shifting of other teeth or bone loss.
2. How Long Until a Dead Tooth Falls Out?
The time it takes for a dead tooth to fall out can vary widely. In some cases, a dead tooth can remain in the mouth for years without falling out, but it is often painful and prone to infection during this time. If the tooth becomes loose due to infection or other factors, it may fall out on its own, but this is generally not something to wait for. It’s crucial to seek dental treatment as soon as you suspect a tooth is dead to avoid complications.
3. Can You Whiten a Dead Tooth?
Whitening a dead tooth can be challenging. Over time, a dead tooth may become discolored, often turning gray, brown, or black. Traditional teeth whitening methods typically do not work on dead teeth because the discoloration is internal rather than surface-level. However, there are specific dental procedures, such as internal bleaching, that can help lighten a dead tooth. In some cases, a crown or veneer might be recommended to cover the discoloration and restore the tooth’s appearance.
4. Does a Dead Tooth Go Black?
Yes, a dead tooth can go black over time. This color change occurs because the dead tissue inside the tooth decomposes, leading to internal staining. The tooth may initially turn gray or yellow before eventually becoming darker, possibly black. This is a sign that the tooth’s nerve and blood vessels have died, and dental intervention is necessary to prevent further complications.
5. What Color Is a Dead Tooth?
The color of a dead tooth can vary, but it often appears discolored compared to the surrounding teeth. Common colors include:
- Gray: A sign that the tooth’s nerve has died, but it hasn’t fully decomposed.
- Yellow or Brown: The tooth may take on these hues as it begins to die and the blood vessels break down.
- Black: Indicates advanced decomposition of the internal tissues.
These color changes are a key indicator that the tooth is no longer healthy and requires dental treatment.
5. Does a Dead Tooth Smell?
Yes, a dead tooth can develop a foul smell, especially if it becomes infected. The smell is caused by the decay of the dead tissue and the potential build-up of bacteria inside the tooth. This can lead to bad breath and a persistent bad taste in the mouth. If you notice a foul odor coming from a tooth, it’s important to see a dentist immediately, as this could be a sign of infection or other complications.
6. Will a Dead Tooth Fall Out Naturally?
A dead tooth may eventually fall out on its own, but this process can take a long time and is usually accompanied by pain, infection, and other dental issues. Waiting for a dead tooth to fall out naturally is not recommended, as the tooth can become a source of serious infection, potentially leading to abscesses or other complications. It’s essential to seek dental care to determine the best course of action, whether that involves a root canal, extraction, or other treatments.
Conclusion
A dead tooth is the one devoid of blood supply because nerves die inside the pulp. Causes can include physical injury or tooth decay.
Proper diagnosis and treatment should be executed as early as possible to avoid loss of a tooth. Treatment includes root canal or extraction depending upon the extent of the damage. Until that time steps can be taken to manage the pain.
Damage should be avoided in the first place by taking preventive measures and getting regular check-ups from the dentist.
