Signs of a Dead Tooth
As you probably know, creating good oral health habits is very important. With the proper love and care, our teeth can last a lifetime. There are many layers that make up the tooth: the pulp, enamel, and dentin. The pulp of the tooth needs a constant blood supply to remain healthy and alive. A dead tooth occurs when the nerves in the tooth pulp are weakened by an injury or decay. If left untreated, the dead tooth will cause problems with the jaw and other teeth. In this article, our dentists in Easton, PA, discuss some of the signs of a dead tooth and how this dental problem can be avoided.
Potential Causes of a Dead Tooth
A dead tooth is the last thing Dr. Moghadam wants for his patients. There are only a few causes that could lead to a dead tooth:
- Physical damage to the tooth. A serious injury can cut off the tooth’s blood supply, causing the tooth to die. If you’ve damaged your tooth, contact an emergency dentist immediately.
- Poor dental hygiene can result in cavities. Untreated cavities can cause inflammation in the tooth pulp, cutting off the tooth’s blood supply and causing it to die. The inflammation usually leads to an abscessed tooth. If you believe you’re experiencing any dental problems, it’s critical that you contact a dental professional.
Symptoms of a Dead Tooth
Many dental problems go without notice at first. However, if you’re experiencing tooth pain or tooth discoloration, you should see a dentist immediately. The following are some signs of a dead tooth:
- Tooth pain – If your tooth is gone, you can feel pain in and around it. Pain may be mild or severe as a result of an infection or dying nerves.
- Tooth discoloration – A dead or dying tooth will not obtain blood supply, causing the tooth’s color to change to yellow, light brown, gray, or black. If the dead tooth is not removed, the discoloration can worsen.
- Swelling above the gum line
- Bad breath or bad taste
How Is a Dead Tooth Identified?
It is recommended that you see your dentist as soon as possible if you have a tooth injury or experience some sort of discomfort or discoloration in your tooth so that recovery can begin. During dental checkups and dental X-rays, a dentist can discover a dead tooth.
Options for Treating a Dead Tooth
A dead tooth is a serious dental problem that should be handled by only the best dentists. If you need restorative dentistry, please contact College Hill Dental Group for a consultation.
- Root Canal Therapy – If your tooth is salvageable, Dr. Moghdam will likely recommend root canal therapy. Root canals clear out any infection on the root of the tooth. To avoid further infection, the dentist will seal the root and place a same-day crown.
- Tooth Extraction – If your tooth cannot be repaired or is badly damaged, your dentist in Easton, PA, will advise you to have it extracted. Our friend Dr. Josh Eastham, a dentist in Grand Junction, CO, says to only get a tooth extraction if your tooth is truly in bad condition. To restore your smile, you may need a dental implant or partial/full denture.
Suggestions for Avoiding a Dead Tooth
The good news is a dead tooth can be avoided. As mentioned above, our teeth can last a lifetime if we take good care of them. Here are a few things you can do to avoid a dead tooth:
- Brushing and flossing twice a day are examples of good oral hygiene.
- If you engage in contact sports, wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth.
- Reduce the consumption of sugary foods and drinks to reduce the risk of cavities and decay.
- Drink plenty of water, particularly after meals, to wash away food particles.
- Schedule daily dental checkups and cleanings at our dental office in Easton, PA.
If you are searching for the best remedy for a dead tooth, please contact College Hill Dental Group. Dr. Moghadam or Dr. Walbridge will recommend the best treatment plan for your unique smile. We offer an amazing Smile Protection Plan. Give us a call today!
