Dead Tooth Emergency: What You Need to Do

Most of the people don't know the alarming signs of certain dental conditions. 

Sometimes, people end up ignoring the tooth discoloration and pain, thinking that it will go away on its own.

Ignorance in dental health is equivalent to disregarding your overall health. Doing that can lead to serious consequences that can disturb your daily life.

To help you break down the indication of dead tooth, we have gathered the causes, symptoms, treatments for it.

Learn More: Reasons Behind Bone Loss in Teeth With Preventive Tips

What is a Dead Tooth?

As we know, teeth are live structures. Their pulp, which consists of connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves, keeps them alive. When the blood supply to the tooth is cut off, those tissues are destroyed.

In that case, you get a dead tooth in your mouth.

A dead tooth may not hurt or not show any signs at all. But that doesn't mean that you can leave it in your mouth. 

A dying or dead tooth can get infected and negatively impact the jaw, gums, and other teeth, so it is important to treat it as soon as possible.

That said, for the right treatment, you need to be sure if you have a dead tooth.

So, let's look into the dead tooth symptoms:

Primary Dead Tooth Symptoms 

When you have a dead tooth, you may experience discomfort and sensitivity

Yet, the major dead tooth symptoms based on which a dentist may proceed with the treatment are:

1.Pain 

A dead tooth may result in continuous excruciating pain. It can also create mild discomfort when biting on the afflicted tooth or severe pain that arises on its own. 

One possible cause of the discomfort is an infection or a dying nerve.

When a tooth is dead, people often wonder why they hurt. Extremely sensitive nerve endings on the outside of the tooth are the source of the pain.

Pus, germs, and the remains of dead nerves rub against one other, causing pain. 

When there is an infection, the following signs may point towards an abscess:

  • Bad taste

  • Unpleasant breath

  • Inflammatory response

  • Gum boil 

    2.Change in Color

Are you thinking about what a tooth looks like when it's dead?

A dead tooth will turn black, grey, or dark yellow. This colour shift closely resembles bruises caused by dying red blood cells. 

If the tooth is left untreated, discoloration develops and gets worse over time.

Reasons For a Dead Tooth

Here are the causes of tooth death:

1.Trauma 

One reason for a dead tooth can be trauma. In such situations, you don't even need to look for the dead tooth symptoms; the damage will leave no option but to seek professional help.

For instance, a tooth can die after being struck in the mouth by a football or falling and striking your mouth on anything. 

2.Poor Hygiene 

Bad dental hygiene can potentially lead to a dead tooth. Cavities may result from it, and if you don't treat them, your teeth may gradually deteriorate. 

The enamel, the tooth's outermost layer of protection, is where cavities first appear. If left untreated, they have the potential to gradually erode the enamel until they reach the pulp. 

This leads to the pulp becoming infected, which finally stops the pulp's blood supply and results in a dead tooth. Once the decay gets to the pulp, you may be in severe discomfort.

A tooth may deteriorate gradually over several months or years or rapidly in a few days.

Two Treatments For the Damaged Tooth

Dentists can preserve a dying tooth. There are cases in which dentists save the dying tooth.

Here are the treatments that you should prepare yourself for if you have dead tooth symptoms:

1.Root Canal

The most popular method for keeping a dead tooth in place is root canal treatment

A root canal is the recommended method of treating a dead tooth if it is feasible. It enables your dentist to save the tooth rather than extract it.

During a root canal, your dentist will try to remove any infection from both the tooth and the dental root.

Although a root canal might be a time-consuming process, any discomfort that follows typically goes away fast.

After removing the infection, the area will be thoroughly cleaned and sealed in an attempt to prevent further infection.

Your dentist will then fill your tooth permanently. You may also require a permanent crown. 

If your dentist determines that a tooth is dead and cannot be restored, you should know your treatment alternatives.

Learn More: How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost in Toronto?

2.Extraction

Many people may look for alternatives for root canal therapy. They can opt for tooth extraction.

For the treatment, you will be under either local or general anesthesia, based on your desire or your dentist's prescription.

A firm grip is typically used to extract the teeth before removing them from the gums. The tooth will be split into pieces before being extracted if this is impossible due to how badly affected it is.

You will have to take it easy after the procedure. Be ready with gauze that you can replace as it gets saturated with blood since the extraction site may hemorrhage.

An ice pack could reduce the pain. You should limit your intake of soft foods for a few days following your treatment and avoid selected beverages.

Consequences of Not Treating the Dead Tooth 

If left untreated, a dead tooth may result in many health issues. Even though it can appear like a small dental problem, it may have a bigger impact on your general health. 

The following are some possible health issues connected to a dead tooth:

Additional Health Concerns: Research indicates a possible connection between systemic health problems and untreated dental infections. These can include issues in those with weakened immune systems, lung infections, and heart problems.

Chronic Pain: Although not everyone with a dead tooth feels pain, an infection or inflammation surrounding the tooth may cause acute or chronic pain. This pain may negatively impact the quality of life and everyday activities. 

Foul Breath: The main cause is the presence of bacteria in the mouth, which may cause social embarrassment.

Transmission of Infection: If an infection from a dead tooth travels to other areas of the body, more severe health issues may arise.

Even though they are uncommon, untreated dental infections have been linked to illnesses, including brain abscesses and endocarditis, which is an infection of the heart's lining.

Tooth Mobility: When a dead tooth grows loose, it may impede your ability to bite and chew food. Additionally, it may cause alignment abnormalities in your bite, which can give rise to more dental issues.

Oral Infections: Bacteria that cause disease can thrive in a dead tooth. A dental abscess may result from the growth of these bacteria in the pulp chamber of the tooth. The infection may infect nearby teeth, gums, and even the jawbone if it spreads.

How to Prevent a Dead Tooth

You can follow these tips if you want to stay away from the dead tooth symptoms:

  • Get an interdental brush or floss to use between teeth at least once a day, that too with fluoride toothpaste.

  • Stop consuming sugary foods and beverages.

  • Undergo routine dental examinations.

  • Those who grind their teeth at night may want to consider using a mouth guard.

  • Although it's not always simple to prevent dental injuries, athletes who participate in specific activities are advised to use mouthguards or gum shields.

  • Additionally, people should refrain from using their teeth to open objects and eat ice. 

FAQs

How should I take care of a dead tooth following treatment?

Continue practicing proper oral hygiene, which includes brushing and flossing twice a day and routinely seeing your dentist for examinations and cleanings.

Can a dead tooth hurt after the treatment?

Even after treatment, a dead tooth may occasionally hurt or cause discomfort, particularly if there are aftereffects like nerve damage or infection.

Can a tooth get infected again after the treatment?

Absolutely. If bacteria can re-enter the tooth and produce further decay or damage, a dead tooth may become infected again.

In Conclusion

Now you know how to identify a dead tooth in your mouth and what steps to take in this situation.

Although it may seem hopeless, doing the right thing at the right time can give you control over your condition.

Make an appointment with KWC Dental if you think one of your teeth is missing or is in danger of doing so. 

We will inspect the tooth to help you overcome this uncomfortable situation and provide any required therapy.

Muhammad Aslam