Teeth will die if you do not treat decay and allow it to damage a tooth. While the process is slow, any untreated decay will cause a tooth to die over time.
What Is a Dead Tooth?
A dead tooth no longer is receiving a fresh blood supply. Tooth discoloration may be 1 of the first indicators of a dying tooth along with tooth and gum pain. Most healthy teeth are white, unless drinks or foods that cause stains are consumed. In these instances, the teeth will take on an off-white or yellow cast, although the discoloration will be uniform. A tooth that is dying will be a different color than the other teeth. It may appear yellowish, light brown, gray, or black. The discoloration increases, over time, as the decay progresses, and the tooth's nerve dies.
Other Symptoms
If you experience pain when your tooth is dying, it normally is caused by the tooth's dying nerve. It can also result from an infection. Your tooth may be dying, as well, if you have bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth. Some patients experience swelling along the gum line.
What Causes a Tooth to Die?
Trauma or injury to a tooth can lead to its death, as can poor dental hygiene. If you suspect you have a dying tooth, it is important to see us right away. Usually, we will perform a root canal if it can be saved. By removing the infected pulp and dying nerve and cleaning the root canals, you will be relieved of further pain and decay.
Do you believe you have a dying tooth? If so, do not delay the treatment. See us immediately for the needed care. Give us a call now to schedule an appointment for an exam and consultation.
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Dental Blog | Tania Tran, DMD - Grove Street Family Dentistry Dr. Tania Tran has provided this educational blog as a resource for the community. We hope that this blog will cover subjects you may be interested in. Call us! Grove Street Family Dentistry - Tania Tran, DMD, 1533 Grove Street, Marysville, WA 98270-4325 - (360) 659-3200 - grovestreetdentist.com - 12/1/2024 - Associated Words: dentist -