Explore the Causes and Symptoms of a Dead Tooth (+Treatments)

You bite into your favorite chocolate bar and notice a dull ache in one of your teeth. You will ignore it because who likes going to the dentist, right? Months pass, and the pain vanishes. You think you are in the clear… until one morning, you catch a whiff of a foul smell that won’t go away. After some Googling and a reluctant trip to the dentist, you learn you have a dead tooth.

Well, if that imaginative story sounds familiar, we understand your frustration. Dead teeth are surprisingly common, and while they may not cause pain immediately, they are nothing to ignore. 

Let’s understand what a dead tooth is, why it happens, and how to deal with it.

What Is a Dead Tooth?

A tooth is considered “dead” when its pulp (the soft, nerve-filled tissue inside) loses its blood supply and dies. This is also called a “non-vital tooth.” Although the tooth might still be physically in your mouth, it’s essentially lifeless.

At first glance, a dead tooth might not look too different from your other teeth. But over time, you may notice discoloration, a foul smell, or even some swelling around the gums.

How Does a Tooth Die? (Causes)

Several things can cause a tooth to die, but here are the main culprits:

1. Tooth Decay

When oral bacteria consume carbohydrates in meals, they create acids that erode the tooth’s enamel, or hard outer layer, causing tooth decay. The decay will continue to spread more into the tooth if left untreated. 

• Cavities Form: Initially, tooth decay leads to the formation of cavities. These are tiny cracks or pliable areas in the enamel brought on by acid erosion.
• Infection Reaches the Pulp: If cavities are left untreated, the decay eventually reaches the inner part of the tooth, known as the pulp. 
• Bacterial Infection: The pulp gets infected after coming into contact with bacteria. This infection leads to pulpitis, which causes inflammation and can block the blood flow to the pulp.
• Loss of Blood Supply: Without a proper blood supply, the tissues in the pulp start to die, which results in a dead tooth.

2. Injury or Trauma

Injuries or trauma to the tooth can cause it to die, even if there is no immediate visible damage. 

• Direct Impact to the Tooth: A blow to the face, such as a fall, accident, or sports injury, can cause significant damage to the tooth’s internal structures. This impact may fracture or crush the tooth, damaging the pulp.
• Pressure from Biting: Sometimes, biting down too hard on something, like a hard object or food, can cause damage to the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels. The pressure from biting can lead to micro-cracks or internal bleeding within the tooth, which might not be immediately noticeable.
• Delayed Effect: The effects of trauma on the tooth’s pulp may not show up right away. Over time, the damage can impair the blood flow and nerves inside the tooth, leading to necrosis (death) of the pulp.

Read More: Ultimate Pain Relief Tips for Wisdom Teeth

Signs and Symptoms

Not all dead teeth announce themselves with pain, but there are usually other signs to watch for:

• Discoloration: When a dead tooth loses its original color, it may seem yellow, gray, or even black.
• Foul Taste or Smell: An infected dead tooth may leave your mouth with a lingering foul taste or smell.
• Swelling or Gum Issues: You might notice swelling, a pimple-like bump on your gum, or even pus around the affected tooth.
• Sensitivity or Dull Pain: Some people feel a nagging pain or sensitivity when biting down, even if the tooth is technically “dead.”

Can a Dead Tooth Be Left Alone?

Some people have had a dead tooth for years, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Here’s why:

• Risk of Infection: A dead tooth is a breeding ground for bacteria. The infection can potentially spread to other areas of your body, including your gums and jaw, without treatment.
• Discomfort and Swelling: Even if the tooth doesn’t hurt now, it could cause problems later, including painful abscesses.

How Is a Dead Tooth Treated?

The good news? A dead tooth doesn’t mean you are doomed. There are effective treatments available:

Root Canal

The most popular method for saving a dead tooth is a root canal. To stop further harm, the dentist extracts the dead pulp, eliminates the infection, and seals the tooth.

Extracting Teeth

Your dentist may advise extraction if the tooth is irreparable. After it’s gone, you can look into alternatives like bridges or dental implants to cover the space.

4 Ways to Avoid a Dead Tooth

Taking good care of your teeth and gums is the best defense against tooth loss. Here are a few brief pointers:

1. Regularly Floss and Brush Twice a Day

Brushing your teeth at least twice daily and flossing frequently may seem simple, but they help get rid of plaque and germs that can lead to cavities. 

2. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Making time for a dental appointment might be challenging, but routine examinations are essential. Try to make at least two trips per year.

3. When Playing Sports, Put on a Mouthguard

Wearing a mouthguard helps prevent dental damage if you participate in contact sports.

 A sudden blow to the face or jaw can damage your tooth’s pulp, leading to a potential dead tooth. 

4. Take Quick Care of Cavities and Other Dental Problems

Early cavity detection allows for treatment before the cavity reaches the pulp. Caring for problems like gum disease, cavities, and fissures can prevent more significant issues, like a dead tooth.

Final Thoughts!

If you need a reliable and experienced dental provider in Arizona, Dr. Olga at PVPD offers expert care. With 15 years of experience in dentistry, Dr. Olga is highly skilled in performing tooth extractions with precision and comfort. 

At PVPD, we ensure a caring environment where your dental health is our top priority. Reach out today to schedule an appointment and experience the high-quality care you deserve!

People Also Ask!

Is it possible to save a dead tooth?

A root canal can often rescue a dead tooth by extracting the infected pulp and capping the tooth to stop additional damage.

Do dead teeth need to be removed?

Not always. Removal is unnecessary if the tooth can be restored through a root canal, but extraction may be required if it’s severely damaged.

What are the Symptoms of a dead tooth?

Signs include discoloration (like a grey or black tooth), bad odor, gum swelling, and dull or lingering pain in the affected area.

How to fix tooth decay?

Tooth decay can be treated early with fillings or root canals, and can be prevented with proper oral hygiene and avoiding sugary foods.

Can a Dead Tooth Kill You?

While rare, a dead tooth can lead to life-threatening infections if bacteria spread to the bloodstream, potentially causing sepsis.