Do you have a dead tooth? This is a serious dental concern, and prompt attention from a dentist is important for restoring dental health, alleviating pain, preserving dental function, and preventing the spread of infection.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

·      The teeth are living body tissues; like any other body part, they can become damaged, infected, and even die.

·      A dead tooth occurs when the pulp deep within the tooth structure dies. It can happen because of untreated cavities, infection, injury, or ageing.

·      Symptoms of a dead tooth include sensitivity, discolouration, pain, and infection.

·      Regular dental care is essential; only a qualified dentist has the experience, expertise, and specific dental supplies to diagnose and treat issues like a dead tooth.

The Anatomy of a Tooth

Teeth are composed of several parts:

·      The crown of the tooth is the part above the gum.

·      The root of the tooth sits under the gum and is “rooted” into the jaw.

·       The outermost layer of the tooth is the enamel. This protective layer is the hardest substance in the human body, and it helps protect the tooth from bacteria (which can cause cavities and infections).

·      Dentin is a layer of strong (but not as strong as enamel) tissue just under the enamel.

·      Covering the root of the tooth is cementum, which helps to anchor the tooth into the jaw.

·      The pulp is the innermost part of the tooth, and it contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues.

What is a Dead Tooth?

Teeth are living body parts, and they can die.

A "dead tooth" occurs when a tooth loses its healthy blood supply and the pulp dies. The pulp is rich in blood vessels and nerves; these are critical to the function and health of teeth. The pulp can become damaged and/or infected, and if this is irreversible, the tooth may die.

Signs of a dead tooth include discolouration, pain, and/or an abscess, which is a severe infection around the tooth.

What Causes Tooth Death?

Most often, this is the consequence of an infection or injury to the tooth’s pulp. More specifically:

Untreated Cavities are the primary cause of tooth decay. Untreated cavities (in the tooth’s enamel) can invade more deeply and eventually penetrate into the pulp. Bacteria from the mouth may thereby infect the pulp, causing its death. It’s important to maintain regular dental checkups because early-stage cavities don’t usually cause pain.

Trauma in the form of, for example, an accident or sporting injury causing a direct blow to the mouth can damage the nerve and blood supply to a tooth – even if a fracture to the surface of the tooth is not visible. This can result in damage to the pulp and, after some time, the death of the tooth.  

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.

Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding, which is a common issue involving involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth during sleep or, less commonly, while awake. It affects people of all ages and is related to stress, dental issues, and certain personality traits. It often leads to tooth wear, microfractures, and eventual damage to the pulp.

Extensive dental work may lead to pulp damage, especially if the pulp is inadvertently exposed by an aggressive approach to cleaning, fillings, and other procedures.

Ageing impacts the teeth as it does the rest of the body.  Blood supply to the pulp declines and these tissues shrink. This can make the teeth more susceptible to damage and increases the chance of tooth death when other contributing factors are present.

What are Some Symptoms of a Dead Tooth?

Symptoms of unhealthy pulp and a dying or dead tooth may emerge over time. These include:

·      Increasing sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures (food and drinks)

·      Discolouration of the tooth – yellowing, greying, or otherwise darkening compared with the adjacent teeth

·      While a dead tooth may be painless, it can also cause a throbbing or sharp pain if the pulp becomes infected

·      Infection in a dead tooth can cause an abscess, which is characterised by swelling, tenderness, redness, and sometimes a fever. These symptoms suggest prompt attention from a dentist is needed, as infection can spread into the surrounding gums, the jawbone, and throughout the body. This is a medical emergency.

What is the Treatment for a Dead Tooth?

Symptoms of a dead tooth require a visit to the dentist for appropriate diagnosis and management. Treatment may involve:

·      Taking over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate pain and inflammation until dental treatment is possible.

·      Taking a course of targeted antibiotics (prescribed by the dentist) to treat infection/reduce the risk of infection.

·      Root canal treatment to remove the dead/infected pulp, clean the remaining tooth structure, and seal the tooth to prevent the risk of future infection.

·      Tooth restoration with a dental crown to retain function and cosmetic appearance after root canal treatment.

·      Extraction of the tooth may be required if damage is severe or root canal treatment is not feasible. The missing tooth may be replaced with a bridge or a dental implant.

Conclusion

Seeing a qualified dentist for regular oral health screenings and dental care is crucial. It’s also extremely important to visit a dentist promptly for issues including pain, swelling, damaged teeth, loose teeth, and any sign that a tooth may be dying or dead. A high-quality dental clinic has the training, experience, and appropriate instruments and dental supplies to diagnose, treat, and help maintain the health and well-being of one’s mouth. Just as regular doctor visits are important for ongoing health and well-being, so too are routine visits to the dentist.