A dead tooth is a serious dental issue. Also known as a non-vital or necrotic tooth, it means the pulp inside the tooth has died. If you think you have a dead tooth, it’s important to recognize the signs and seek treatment quickly. An untreated dead tooth can lead to infection, abscess, and even tooth loss.
So, what does a dead tooth look like? And how can you tell if you have one? This article will cover the causes and symptoms of a dead tooth, how to identify it, treatment options, and how to prevent it from happening in the first place.
What is a dead tooth?
A dead tooth is a tooth that no longer has living pulp inside. The pulp is the soft center of the tooth, and it contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. In a healthy tooth, the pulp provides nourishment and sensation.
When the pulp dies, the tooth loses its blood supply and nerve signals. It becomes non-vital, meaning it’s no longer alive. This also makes the tooth vulnerable to infection.
A dead tooth may also be called a black tooth, because it can become discolored.
What causes a tooth to die?
A number of things can cause a tooth to “die,” or for the pulp to become necrotic.
Severe tooth decay
Untreated cavities are a major cause of dead teeth. When decay reaches the pulp, it can cause inflammation. Over time, the inflammation can lead to pulp death.
According to the CDC, nearly 30% of adults between the ages of 20 and 34 have untreated tooth decay.
Physical trauma
Trauma to the mouth can also damage a tooth and its blood supply. If the blood supply is cut off, the pulp may die.
Any kind of impact injury, such as falls or sports injuries, can damage a tooth. Even accidents can damage teeth to such an extent that the tooth dies.
Signs and symptoms of a dead tooth
How can you tell if a tooth is dead or dying? Here are a few signs to look for:
Discoloration
Often, a dead tooth will change color. It may turn gray, black, brown, or some other unusual shade.
Odors
A dead tooth can cause you to have bad breath. You may notice a foul taste in your mouth, too.
Pain or sensitivity
At first, you may have pain and sensitivity to hot and cold. But as the nerve dies, the pain may go away, which can trick you into thinking that the problem has healed itself.
Abscess, swelling, and/or pus
A dead tooth can cause an infection. You might see what looks like a pimple at the gum line, which can signal a chronic abscess. Swelling and pus around the tooth are also signs of infection.
Keep in mind, however, that some living teeth can show some of these same signs. To know for sure whether a tooth is dead, you’ll need to see a dentist for a professional diagnosis.
How do dentists identify a dead tooth?
If you think you have a dead tooth, your dentist will examine your mouth and likely order X-rays. He or she may also perform a pulp test.
A pulp test involves checking whether the tooth responds to stimuli, such as heat or cold. The dentist may also use an electric pulp tester, which sends a mild electrical current into the tooth.
X-rays can show signs of infection around the root of the tooth, which can also indicate that the pulp has died.
Treating a Dead Tooth
If you think you have a dead tooth, the good news is that a dentist can usually help. Here are the typical treatments.
Root Canal Therapy
In root canal therapy, the dentist removes the dead tissue from the inner pulp of the tooth, cleans out any infection, and then fills the root canals to seal them off. The tooth is then sealed and often covered with a crown to protect it from further damage.
Root canal therapy is often the best way to save a dead tooth. It removes the source of the infection and protects the remaining tooth structure.
Tooth Extraction
If tooth decay is too extensive for a root canal or if the tooth is too damaged to be saved, your dentist may recommend extracting or removing the tooth.
In those cases, you may want to consider a dental implant to replace the missing tooth and prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting. A dental implant is a permanent artificial tooth root that’s surgically placed into the jawbone.
How to prevent a dead tooth
The best way to prevent a dead tooth is the same way you prevent most dental problems: good dental hygiene. If you want healthy teeth, you need to brush, floss, and see a dentist regularly.
Here are some actionable tips:
- See a dentist at least twice a year.
- Brush with an electric toothbrush.
- Floss every day.
Your diet also plays a role. Try to avoid sugary and sticky foods that cling to your teeth. Instead, eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a tooth look like when it dies?
A dying or dead tooth doesn’t always scream, “Hey, I’m in trouble!” Early on, you might not notice any visual changes. However, as the nerve inside the tooth dies, several things can happen over time.
One common sign is discoloration. The tooth may turn gray, yellow, or even black. This happens because the dead tissue inside breaks down and releases pigments that stain the tooth. However, discoloration isn’t always present.
Sometimes, the tooth might appear relatively normal, but you might experience pain or sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. This could indicate that the nerve is dying but hasn’t completely died yet. In other cases, a dead tooth might be completely numb, with no pain or sensitivity at all.
Another sign can be swelling or tenderness in the gums around the affected tooth. This indicates an infection has developed. Ultimately, the only way to know for sure if a tooth is dead is to see a dentist for an examination and X-rays.
Closing Thoughts
It’s important to recognize and address the signs of a potentially dead tooth as soon as possible. The sooner you catch it, the better your chances of preventing further complications.
The best way to avoid a dead tooth is to take good care of your teeth and gums by brushing, flossing, and eating a healthy diet.
If you think you might have a dead tooth or are concerned about tooth decay, schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. Prompt treatment can save your tooth and protect your overall health.