How To Identify Dead Tooth? Signs & Its Treatment

A dead tooth is a tooth that is no longer receiving a fresh supply of blood and whose nerve cells are dead. For most people, tooth discolouration is one of the first signs of a dying tooth. However, one may experience pain in the gums or teeth. Usually, healthy teeth are a shade of white, although the colour can vary depending on the type of food you consume and oral hygiene. For instance, if you regularly consume foods that are staining, such as red wine, coffee, or blueberries, or you smoke, then your teeth may appear light yellow or off-white. However, the discolouration will be most likely be uniform.

If you have a discoloured tooth that is of a different colour from the rest, the chances are that it is dying. A dying tooth may appear gray, yellow, black, or light brown. If you are concerned about a dead tooth, here is an article that will help you learn how to identify one and its treatment.

Signs of a Dead Tooth

There are two primary symptoms of a dead tooth; they include:

• Tooth Discolouration

Change in the colour of the tooth is one of the most noticeable signs. Usually, a healthy tooth is in a clear shade of white; however, a dying tooth mostly appears to be brown, grey, or black. The discolouration increases when the tooth is left untreated.

• Pain

You may experience pain in or around the dying tooth. An infection or dying nerves inside the tooth can cause pain, which can be mild or severe.

Other symptoms include;

• Bad taste in your mouth
• Swelling around the gum line
• Bad Breath

Causes of a Dead Tooth

The main causes of a dead tooth can be divided into two categories, they include;

• Tooth Decay

Tooth decay can occur when a patient does not take proper care of their oral hygiene and have untreated tooth cavities that penetrate deeper into the layers of the tooth.

• Tooth Trauma

Tooth trauma can occur on occasions such as falling or hitting your mouth against something hard. Such incidents lead to irreversible damages to the pulp and the protective layers of the tooth, thus resulting in a dead tooth.

Treatment Options for a Dead Tooth

In most cases, the treatment of a dead tooth starts with pain management. As you make your appointment with your dentist, you can take over-the-counter pain medication to relieve the pain. Your dentist can treat your dying or a dead tooth with either of the two procedures root canal or extraction.

• Root Canal

During this procedure, the dead tooth and its roots will be cleaned to remove the infected tissues. After cleaning, the roots will be sealed and place a dental filling to prevent further infection. As much as the dead tooth can function after the treatment, your dentist can recommend a veneer or crown to give it extra support and strength.

• Tooth Extraction

Your dentist may recommend tooth extraction if your tooth is severely damaged. During this procedure, the dentist will extract the tooth completely with its roots. However, the extracted tooth can be replaced with an implant, denture, or bridge.

Bottom Line

It is always advisable to see a dentist immediately if you suspect you have a dying or dead tooth. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent complications. When such a tooth is left untreated, the infection can affect your entire mouth. If you are looking for the best treatment for a dead tooth, feel free to contact or visit us at Springvale Dental Clinic.