What is a dead tooth

Enamel, dentin, and pulp (a bundle of blood vessels and nerves) are the three main layers of each tooth. The pulp is the innermost layer. If, for some reason, the pulp is damaged, infected, or destroyed, the tooth gradually dies. And over time, it becomes dead. Dead teeth are teeth whose hard structures remain in place but no longer receive nourishment due to the destruction of nerve endings and blood vessels inside.

When decay penetrates through the enamel and dentin, affecting the pulp, it slowly (but painfully) dies. Typically, in such cases, the hard structures of the tooth also undergo intensive destruction. If this happens, the only solution left for the dentist is tooth extraction.

Dead teeth can also be referred to as depulped. When bacteria enter and infect the pulp, but the tooth is still amenable to restoration, the dentist performs root canal treatment – depulps the tooth – removes the remnants of nerve bundles from the tooth canals, fills the canals, and then restores the crown portion of the tooth. In this case, the dead tooth remains in place and continues to serve for some time.

Symptoms and signs of a dead tooth

As Benjamin Franklin once said, “Look before, or you’ll find yourself behind.” This principle can be applied in all areas of life, including taking care of your dental health.

Here are some important symptoms indicating that a tooth is dead (or nearing it):

• Dull enamel color compared to adjacent healthy teeth.
• Toothache or pain in the gum area, especially during chewing.
• Bad breath.
• Tooth mobility (may be minimal but noticeable compared to healthy teeth).
• Sensitivity to hot and cold foods.

Can a dead tooth be saved? Yes, but it’s crucial to take immediate action. If you notice one or several of these symptoms, consult with your regular dentist. They can identify the causes of discomfort and recommend a further plan of action for addressing them.

Common causes leading to tooth death

• Caries. When cavities grows to significant proportions, affecting the enamel and dentin, the next in line is the pulp. Once caries reaches the pulp, bacteria infect it, and the tooth gradually dies.
• Accidents and injuries. Tooth injuries from sports activities or accidents can lead to damage to the blood vessels located near the root system of the teeth, extending to the pulp. If these vessels are damaged, the tooth won’t receive proper nutrition, leading to its demise.
• Extensive fillings. Can a dying tooth be saved forever? Certainly not. Everyone knows that dental fillings and restorations are not permanent. Sooner or later, fillings break down, or worse, micro-caries may develop beneath the filling, gradually reaching the pulp. This also results in the irreversible loss of tooth nutrition.

Dead Tooth Diagnosis and Evaluation

If you have suspicions that something might be wrong with your tooth, here are a few steps to help you self-diagnose the likelihood of having a dead tooth:

1. Examine the tooth superficially. If its color is darker than that of neighboring teeth, there’s a possibility that its blood supply is lost.
2. Take a sip of cool or warm water. If the tooth reacts to cold or heat, there’s a likelihood of damage.
3. Do you still have bad breath even after brushing your teeth? If yes, there’s a possibility that a dead tooth might be the cause.

As for the professional diagnosis and assessment of the tooth’s health with damaged pulp, dentists typically conduct a visual examination and use imaging diagnostics, such as X-rays. It helps evaluate the health of the tooth’s root canals and assess the spread of infection.

Treatment Options for Dead Tooth

How to fix a dead tooth? Here are two key methods used in the treatment of a dead tooth.

Root Canal Therapy: Procedure, success rates, and benefits

The most popular method for treating a dead tooth is, of course, root canal treatment. The step-by-step procedure involves:

• Elimination of bacterial infection inside the tooth,
• Removal of nerve endings inside the tooth canals,
• Canal sealing,
• Restoration of the crown part of the tooth.

The method is applied if the internal and external hard structures of the tooth are slightly damaged and can be restored. In some cases, if the crown part is damaged, and the root system remains intact, such a tooth can be covered with a ceramic crown (or another type of crown) after root canal treatment.

Extraction and Implants

Tooth extraction and subsequent implantation is another reliable treatment method. If a tooth cannot be restored, it is removed. After a few months of healing, a dental implant is placed instead of the missing dead tooth. The service life of such a construction is 20-25 years. You can learn more about the procedure on this page.

Potential complications and risks

Root canal treatment and restoration of a depulped tooth are always associated with risks. First of all, there is the risk of recurrent caries under the crown, which can lead to infection of neighboring teeth, jawbone tissue, and an unpleasant odor.

Factors Affecting Saving a Dead Tooth

Whether to treat or remove a tooth is a decision that only a dentist can make based on the actual condition of the tooth. Here’s what the dentist evaluates when making this decision:

• The extent of destruction of the crown (if the tooth is severely damaged externally and cannot be saved);
• The extent of destruction of the root system;
• The position of the tooth in the dental arch (if the tooth has changed its position or become loose due to trauma or caries, it is likely to be recommended for removal).

Preventive Measures to Avoid Tooth Dying

The best way to treat a dead tooth is prevention. Here are a few simple rules to help avoid pulp damage:

• Brush your teeth daily in the morning and evening;
• Use dental floss and mouthwash;
• Drink water between meals;
• Regularly visit the dentist;
• Reduce the consumption of sweet foods;
• Schedule systematic professional teeth cleanings to remove dental plaque in hard-to-reach areas.

And finally, it’s worth noting that dead teeth, fortunately, can be treated. However, this comes with various risks and the possibility of recurrent cavities. If you have complaints or symptoms indicating that your tooth is dead, don’t exacerbate the problem and promptly schedule an appointment with a dentist for an examination. Timely professional treatment will not only help save the problematic tooth but also prevent damage to neighboring teeth and jawbone tissue.

Dead Tooth Treatment: the Most Common Questions

Additional Resources

Root Canals: FAQs About Treatment That Can Save Your Tooth – American Dentist Association