When a tooth dies, what happens to it? Is there anything that can be done to save it? In this blog post, we will explore the answers to these questions, as well as discovering how this can occur in the first place.

Is My Tooth Dying?

A tooth can die due to the nerves in its inner layer (the pulp) becoming damaged and no longer providing a fresh blood supply to the tooth. One of the first and most noticeable symptoms of a non-vital tooth is discoloration. Teeth that are healthy are normally a shade of white, or off-white depending on your oral hygiene and the foods you consume. If a tooth has discoloration due to the nerve dying, it will be a completely different color compared to the rest of your teeth. A dying tooth is usually yellow, light brown, gray, or even black. 

Another symptom of a dying tooth is some level of pain, either from the dying nerve or from a possible infection. If you are experiencing other symptoms such as bad breath, a bad taste in your mouth, or gum swelling, alongside of your pain then you may have an infection as well. If you are experiencing any symptoms of a dying tooth, it is best to consult your dentist right away in order to get ahead before symptoms worsen. 

How Does a Tooth Die in the First Place?

One of the main causes of a tooth dying is trauma or injury. For example, being hit in the mouth or hitting your mouth against something can cause it to die. In some cases, the tooth may die quickly over a few days, but there are some scenarios where the decay can take place over several months, even years. Another reason for the death of a tooth is poor dental hygiene. Improper care of your teeth can lead to cavities, which can slowly destroy your tooth if left untreated. These cause the pulp to become infected, cutting off blood flow, resulting in a painful decay of the tooth. 

What do I do if I have a Dead/Dying Tooth?

If left untreated, bacteria from a dead tooth can lead to the loss of other teeth, as well as possibly affect your gums and jaw. There are a few options that your dentist might consider to treat your tooth:

Root Canal

If your dentist decides a root canal is the best option for you, you will be able to keep your original tooth. A root canal is a procedure in which a dentist makes an opening in the tooth and removes the pulp to get rid of the infection. After removing the pulp, a permanent filling is used to seal the roots and the opening. If the enamel was damaged due to the infection, a crown will likely be used to permanently cover the exterior of the tooth since it will become brittle over time. If a crown is not needed, teeth whitening methods can be used to try and match the color back to the rest of your teeth. 

Extraction

If your tooth is unable to be restored with a root canal, your dentist may decide to remove it in its entirety. This means that during the procedure, they will extract the dead tooth and, if you choose to do so, replace it with an implant or denture. There are different options available to you when it comes to what kind of replacement you want to use for the tooth. 

Tips to Prevent a Dying Tooth

Although sometimes a dead tooth can be out of your control, there are some thing you can do to reduce the risk of this occurring:

• Have routine checkups at your dentist in order to catch the problem early, bettering your chances of being able to fix it. 
• The cleaner of a diet you have, the less likely you are to experience tooth decay due to sugary foods. 
• Practice good oral hygiene to prevent bacteria and infections.
• If you are participating in an activity that might result in trauma to the mouth, wear a mouthguard if possible. 

Whether your tooth is dying due to a freak accident, or not telling the dentist the truth on how often you brush your teeth, there are options on how to ease the pain and fix it. The number one fix to anything is prevention. Make sure you are visiting your dentist every six months to catch problems early, and are paying attention to any symptomatic warning signs that your teeth are giving you.