A tooth is “dead” when blood no longer flows through it . It is also known as a “non-vital tooth”.
As we know, a tooth has three layers: enamel, dentin, and pulp. The pulp contains the blood vessels and nerves. Dead or dying nerves in the pulp can lead to the death of a tooth.
Once this happens, the tooth will eventually fall out on its own. However, it can be dangerous to wait for this to happen, as the tooth can become infected and affect the jaw and other teeth.
Symptoms
It is not always easy to identify a dead tooth simply by looking at it. Only a dental professional will be able to diagnose it, so regular visits to the dentist are important. However, there are two main symptoms of a dead tooth that can help with self-diagnosis : pain and tooth discoloration.
Pain
A tooth that is dead or dying can lead to a variable level of pain, from almost nonexistent to extremely painful. The dying nerve or an infection usually causes an increase in pain. Some people wonder why they experience pain if the nerve is dead. However, the pain does not come from inside the tooth but from extremely sensitive nerve endings around the outside of the tooth, called the periodontal membrane. Bacteria and dead nerve debris, or pus, collect in the cavity inside the tooth and put pressure on the periodontal membrane, which can cause immense pain.
Color change
If the tooth is dead, it will often be a darker color , and you may notice yellow, gray, or black discoloration. Usually, a change in color occurs because the red blood cells are dying. It is an effect very similar to bruises. Discoloration will occur if a dead tooth is not treated and its color change will increase over time.
Causes
There are two main causes of a dead tooth: tooth decay and dental trauma.
Caries dental
Tooth decay begins in the outermost layer of the tooth , but over time it can cause cavities that penetrate the deeper layers. If these cavities are not treated, they can reach the pulp and create a pathway for bacteria to enter the tooth and cause the nerve to die. The pressure within the pulp will increase, cutting off the blood supply, starving the nerve, and killing the pulp. This can cause severe pain.
Trauma dental
If there is physical trauma to the tooth, such as a sports injury or a fall, the blood vessels can burst, or the blood supply to the tooth can be cut off. Eventually, because no blood flows to the tooth, the nerve and other living tissues within the pulp will die.
Treatment
Early treatment to fix a dead tooth is vital. Even if a person does not feel pain at first, if they suspect that they have a dead tooth, they should seek medical attention as it could be extremely painful. An X-ray will help the dentist diagnose a dead tooth. For its treatment, the usual thing is extraction.
Prevention
The Oral Health Foundation recommends that you follow a routine for dental care: brushing your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste before bed and at least once more during the day, cleaning between your teeth with dental floss or an interdental brush at least once a day, avoid sugary foods and drinks and go to the dentist regularly.
