Understanding and Managing a “Dead” Tooth
Going to the dentist for regular preventative care is essential – and especially important if you’re having issues like pain, tenderness, a cracked tooth, tooth loss, a dead tooth, or other issues. Only your dentist has the right expertise, experience, tools, and other dental supplies to optimise the health and well-being of your mouth.
What is a “Dead Tooth”?
A "dead tooth" describes a tooth that has lost its vitality, meaning it no longer has a healthy blood supply. It is also known as tooth necrosis or pulp death.
The pulp of a tooth is located at its core. It contains the nerves and blood vessels that are essential for its survival and functionality. If the pulp becomes infected or damaged beyond repair, the tooth can die.
A dead tooth is often characterized by:
∙ Discolouration
∙ Pain
∙ An abscess (infection) around the affected tooth
Understanding what causes a dead tooth, how to recognise it, and how to manage it is essential for maintaining your oral health – and oral health is intrinsic to the health and well-being of your heart, brain, and other body systems.
What Causes a Dead Tooth?
Several factors can contribute to the death of a tooth, and they often occur due to infection or injury to the tooth’s pulp.
Some of the most common causes include:
∙ Trauma/Injury: A direct blow to the mouth, such as from an accident or sports injury, can damage the tooth’s nerve and blood supply. Even without a visible fracture to the tooth, the injury can lead to pulp damage, and the tooth may eventually die. This damage may take some time to manifest, with the tooth appearing normal immediately after the trauma.
∙ Untreated Cavities: Cavities (dental caries) are among the leading cause of tooth decay. If left untreated, cavities can extend deeper into the tooth, eventually reaching the pulp. Bacteria from the cavity can infect the pulp, resulting in its death. While early-stage cavities typically don’t cause pain, if ignored, they can result in severe complications, including pulp necrosis (death).
∙ Infection: Bacterial infections in the mouth often stem from untreated cavities or gum disease. These can reach the pulp, causing infection deep within the tooth’s structure. If this is severe, the tooth’s pulp can die, and infection can also spread to the surrounding tissues, causing pain, swelling, and abscess formation.
∙ Repeated Dental Procedures: Extensive dental work, such as multiple fillings or a deep cleaning procedure, can potentially damage the pulp. This may happen if the procedure is too aggressive or the pulp is inadvertently exposed.
∙ Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Habitual teeth grinding or jaw clenching is very common, often driven by stress, and can lead to tooth wear and microfractures. These may compromise the tooth’s pulp over time, causing a tooth to become vulnerable to infection or injury and potentially leading to pulp death.
∙ Aging and Wear: As teeth age, the blood supply to teeth declines and the pulp becomes smaller. Although aging alone doesn't typically cause a tooth to die, it can make the tooth more susceptible in the presence of other issues that lead to pulp death, such as trauma or infection.
Symptoms of a Dead Tooth
A dead tooth may not show immediate symptoms, but over time can exhibit signs that indicate the pulp is no longer healthy:
- Discolouration: The tooth may turn darker, yellowish, or greyish as the pulp’s tissues begin to break down.
- Sensitivity: A dying or dead tooth may become sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. It tends to last longer than typical tooth sensitivity and can become increasingly painful as the infection progresses.
- Pain: Although sometimes painless, a dead tooth can also cause sharp, throbbing pain, typically arising when the pulp becomes infected, and leading to pressure or swelling in the surrounding tissues.
- Swelling and Abscess: A dead tooth can lead to an abscess, which is a pocket of pus that forms as a result of infection. This can cause noticeable swelling, redness, tenderness, and even fever. If left untreated, infection can spread to the surrounding tissues and bone, and in extreme cases, systemically throughout the body. This is a medical emergency.
Managing a Dead Tooth
To prevent complications like further infection or the spread of decay, a dead tooth requires prompt treatment from a dentist.
This may include:
∙ Antibiotics: Antibiotics will likely be prescribed to control the bacteria associated with infection and reduce the risk of the infection spreading. Antibiotics alone will not resolve the issue of a dead tooth, and a dental procedure will still be necessary.
∙ Root Canal Treatment: The most common treatment for a dead involves removal of the infected pulp, cleaning the remaining tooth, and sealing it to prevent further infection. Afterwards, the tooth is typically restored with a crown to maintain its structure and function.
∙ Tooth Extraction: If a dead tooth is severely damaged or cannot be saved with root canal treatment, extraction may be required to prevent further infection and complications. Dental implants or bridges may be considered to replace the missing tooth.
∙ Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, can help alleviate the pain associated with a dead tooth until professional dental treatment is available. It’s essential to see a dentist as soon as possible, especially if the pain is persistent or worsening.
A dead tooth is a serious dental issue, and expert professional treatments like root canal therapy or tooth extraction can restore your dental health and alleviate pain. If you suspect you have a dead tooth, it’s crucial to consult with your dentist promptly. They have the expertise and the right dental supplies to provide the necessary care and prevent the spread of infection.