Do you know what causes a tooth to die and what it looks like? A tooth that has died is one that is no longer receiving blood supply that is fresh. One of the first signs is a discoloration of the tooth. If left untreated, there will be pain associated with the tooth and gums in the surrounding area.
Do you know how to identify and treat a dead tooth? There are several stages to be aware of.
The following timeline will explain in detail the steps to identifying a tooth that is dying.
The reason a tooth dies is because of a lack of blood flow due to decay or trauma:
• A cavity starts penetrating the tooth or an injury occurs to the tooth
• Bacteria will get through to the pulp of the tooth via a dental cavity
• Any pulp that is still healthy will combat the bacteria
• Pain is a result of pressure and swelling in the area of the tooth
• Nerves to the tooth are starving oxygen and nutrition
• Necrosis of the tooth occurs once blood flow has ceased
What does a dead tooth look like?
A tooth that is dying or is already dead will be a different color than the rest of the teeth. It might look yellow or light brown. It may also be grey or black in color. The first thing that signals a tooth is dying is the discoloration in its appearance. The reason for this discoloring is the lack of blood flow it is receiving. There may also be a pain in the area of the decaying or dying tooth.
Can you save a dead tooth?
The answer is yes. Because a tooth is alive, you can revive it should it die. This is a process known as endodontics; also known as a root canal. The typical cause of a tooth to die is severe physical trauma, cracking, or decay of the tooth.
Treatment for a dying/dead tooth
When you have a tooth that is dying, there is a common treatment that one should follow. This treatment is several visits to the dentist to clean, medicate, and seal the tooth’s canal.
Related Questions
Is the removal of a dead tooth necessary?
It is not necessary to remove a dead tooth. A dentist can perform a procedure called a root canal. This process will preserve the tooth, and any infection is removed. This prevents the extraction of the tooth. The dentist scrapes out the pulp that has become infected and replaces it with a filling.
Is it better to pull a tooth or have a root canal?
The preferred method is always a root canal when dealing with a dead tooth. This allows the natural tooth to remain in place. Yet, if the tooth is too far decayed, an extraction may be best, later replacing it with a dental implant.
Conclusion
You now know how to recognize a tooth that is dying and what the best treatment is. However, you will get the most positive results if you act proactively in regard to your dental care. A regular check-up every 6 months will keep your smile bright and free of tooth decay.
Dr. Steven Hechtman has been keeping mouths healthy and smiles bright for over 40 years! Our dental office located in Walled Lake MI is a full-service dental clinic that addresses all your dental health needs. We offer the latest technology in modern dentistry, including a comprehensive list of general, restorative and cosmetic dental care services to meet the needs of your entire family. Call today for a Free Consultation!