Dead Tooth
It may surprise you, but teeth do actually have living tissues.
What is a dead tooth? How can a tooth die?
Most of the people don’t think that the tooth has living tissues. A tooth consists of enamel, dentin , cementum and pulp tissue. Enamel is a non living hardest outer cover of the tooth. As this is the only tooth structure that is visible, many think that the tooth is not alive. The dentin and the cementum underneath are the inner portions of the tooth which are hidden under enamel and gums. Where both are made of living tissues. Underneath these layers is the tooth root, which is filled with dental pulp, contains nerves, blood vessels, connective tissue and other essential elements.
The most essential living structure of the tooth is considered as the pulp tissue, it is extended from the crown to the root tip. When severe root damage occurs the pulp no longer receives the blood supply and nutrition leading the tooth to die. This dental condition is referred to as dead tooth. It can also be called as non-vital tooth or pulp necrosis (death of the tooth pulp).
Causes
Healthy teeth have a soft tissue called pulp in the center which keeps the tooth alive with help of nutrients from blood vessels and nerves. Pulp can become injured but can’t repair itself, it may die and make the tooth non-vital.
Cracked teeth or deep cavities are two main causes for the pulp injured /infected.
Tooth Decay: Cavities may occur over time, if you lack good oral hygiene habits. This can allow the bacterial penetration into the tooth cavity and gives access to the pulp. Usually healthy pulp fights the bacteria for some extent. But when too much pressure occurs in the pulp region it causes inflammation and pain over the surrounding area. In this case tooth pulp nerve starves for nutrition and oxygen as they will not get enough blood supply gradually resulting in necrotic teeth necrosis.
Tooth Fracture: Physical injury/tooth crack can occur for many reasons, like facial/dental trauma when participating in a contact sporting event. When your tooth gets damaged/ has cracks, bacteria from your mouth will be able to access the living pulp. If this tooth fracture is left untreated, the inflamed tissue around the tooth will reduce the blood flow and cause the tooth to die.
Signs and symptoms
The main symptoms of a dead tooth is discoloration and pain. Pain in and around the teeth is usually the first indicator if you have a dead tooth which is caused by the pressure and inflammation inside the tooth. Discoloration of the tooth is caused due the breakdown of the pulp tissue which may develop in months or even weeks after the injury.
There are some additional symptoms which includes, inflamed sore gums, jaw pain, abscess, bad taste/bad smell in the mouth.
If you notice any of these symptoms, do consult a nearby dentist immediately as this problem will not get better on its own and may also become worse.
Treatment
If your pulp becomes infected, it may spread to the bone and jaw areas around the infected tooth. But early treatment could help to avoid these unpleasant situations. So do act quickly to get back your teeth to the normal condition. The treatment options will always depend on the condition of the infected tooth. The dentist will recommend the most appropriate treatment for your tooth after a quick checkup. Whether you have a root canal procedure or an extraction, antibiotics might be needed to stop the spread of the infection.
The usual treatment procedures for a dead tooth includes:
Extraction: If the tooth is severely infected and cannot be saved. It will have to be pulled out to prevent the further spread of the infection. Antibiotics or thorough cleaning can eliminate the rest of the infection. You also have some tooth replacement options like, an implant or bridges which you can discuss with your dentist before the treatment is done.
Root Canal: The procedure initially involves a deep cleaning of the inside of a tooth to remove all the infected pulp tissue or abscess. Then the pulp chamber is sealed with the dental plastic material.
Tips to prevent dead tooth
- A good oral hygiene routine is very essential. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. Fluoridated toothpaste and a soft brush is much preferred.
- Wearing a mouthguard is one of the best ways to protect your teeth from injuries during sports activities. Although physical injuries cannot always be avoided, teeth can often be saved if you act immediately.
- Stick to a healthy diet and drink water after every meal to keep your mouth debris free.
- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups.
Broken Tooth
Bruxism
Bruxism is characterised by the clenching/grinding of the teeth due to repetitive jaw-muscle activity
Cracked Tooth Syndrome
A broken tooth that doesn’t necessarily look broken.
Crowded Teeth
Dead Tooth
It may surprise you, but teeth do actually have living tissues.
Dental Anxiety
Dental Erosion
Dental erosion can be defined as the irreversible loss of tooth enamel caused by acids without involving bacteria.
Dry Socket
Dry socket also known as Alveolar Osteitis, is a common complication associated with tooth extractions.
Failing Old Silver Filling
Older filling also known as amalgam filling, have been used over years and are still being used today.
Gingivitis
In simpler terms, it is an inflammatory disease of the gingiva.
Gum Disease
Gum Recession
Gum recession occurs when the tissues around the teeth start to recede/pull back.
Halitosis
Halitosis is an unpleasant odour emitted from the mouth.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, are located at the back of the mouth
Missing Teeth
Sensitive Teeth
A common dental condition that involves discomfort and pain when exposed to certain foods and temperatures.
Snoring
A partially obstructed airway during sleep causes parts of the throat or nose to vibrate as the air passes through a narrowed airway.
TMJ Dysfunction
Temporomandibular joint dysfunctions are a group of disorders affecting the masticatory system.
Tooth Brush Abrasion
Tooth brush abrasion is the most common cause of dental abrasion.
Tooth Decay
Toothache
Toothache, or dental pain, is the most frequent oral pathology
Yellow / Discoloured Teeth
Tooth discoloration/yellow tooth is an abnormal colour of the tooth, is one of the common dental conditions for any age grouped people.
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