Our teeth are made of hard and soft tissues. Many people do not consider their teeth to be living parts of their body, though intact, healthy teeth are very much alive. However, when the nerves in the pulp (the inner layer of the tooth) are damaged (for example, due to physical injury or tooth decay), they may not be able to provide the tooth with adequate blood perfusion. This may lead to infection and death of dental nerves.
The following is a summary of how to identify dead teeth and what to do if you have damaged teeth.
 

How to recognize a dead tooth?

A dead tooth is a tooth that does not receive fresh blood supply. The first sign in most cases is discolouration of the tooth and pain in the tooth and gums themselves.

Discolouration

Healthy teeth are usually white or close to white. Their colour also depends on one’s diet and oral hygiene. For example, if you regularly consume coffee, tea, red wine, or other foods with a discolouring effect, your teeth may become “off-white” or yellowish in colour. However, unlike dead teeth, this discolouration affects all teeth evenly.

Discolouration of dying teeth is different from other teeth. A “dying” tooth can be yellow, light brown, grey, or even black. This discolouration becomes more and more visible over time as condition of the tooth and nerves deteriorates.

Intense pain

Pain can also be an indicative sign. Not everyone feels pain due to a dying tooth, but some may feel moderate or intense pain. Pain is caused by dying nerves, but can also be a symptom of an infection. Signs of infection include bad breath, bad taste and swelling of the gums.

If you notice any of the above symptoms, you should visit our dental clinic as soon as possible so that we can deal with the problem!

Book an appointment by filling in the form below.

 

What causes teeth to die?

Injury may be one of the reasons for tooth death. For example, if someone falls and hits their face just to damage their teeth, these teeth can die over time. Tooth death itself can happen faster, in just a couple of days, or slowly, over months or years.

Neglected oral hygiene may also lead to tooth death. If left untreated, decayed teeth for example, will slowly die. Holes first form in the tooth enamel, which is the outer protective layer of the tooth. If not taken care of in time, enamel will be completely destroyed and the damage will reach the root cavity as well. The damaged root cavity may become infected, and this infection may block blood supply to the tooth. As already mentioned, this will lead to tooth death. Tooth cavities are usually associated with intense pain.

 

Identification of dead teeth

Dead teeth can be identified on an oral x-ray. If a dying tooth is associated with pain or discolouration, our dentists may also diagnose it during a routine dental examination.
Immediately after a tooth injury, you should visit our dentist so that they can examine your teeth thoroughly and notice any initial signs of death. The sooner they start dealing with the problem, the better.

To learn more about how to treat dead teeth, read our professional article!

And if you want to avoid tooth decay or you notice any of the above symptoms, visit our clinic by filling in the form below to help you regain the health of your teeth as soon as possible!