A dead tooth can indeed become infected, posing a significant risk to oral and overall health. Understanding how it becomes infected is important for early detection and timely intervention. Prompt treatment is necessary to prevent the spread of infection and preserve dental well-being.
Understanding a Dead Tooth
A “dead tooth,” or non-vital tooth, no longer receives a blood supply. This occurs when the dental pulp, the innermost part of the tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, loses its vitality. The pulp provides nutrients and sensation to the tooth.
Common causes leading to the death of a tooth’s pulp include severe tooth decay, which allows bacteria to reach the pulp and cause infection. Dental trauma, such as a direct blow to the tooth, can also sever the blood vessels supplying the pulp. Additionally, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth may compromise its structure and lead to pulp damage. A dead tooth might not always cause immediate pain, making it challenging to detect without a professional dental examination.
Why Dead Teeth Become Infected
Once the dental pulp dies, the tooth loses its natural defenses as its blood supply, which fights bacteria, is gone. The dead tissue within the pulp chamber and root canal system becomes an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Bacteria can invade this non-vital tissue through various pathways.
These pathways include deep cavities, cracks or fractures in the tooth, or even the bloodstream. As bacteria multiply within the tooth, they produce toxins and byproducts, leading to an inflammatory response. This often results in an abscess, a localized pocket of pus at the root tip or within the surrounding bone. The infection can spread beyond the tooth’s root into the surrounding jawbone and soft tissues if left untreated.
Identifying an Infected Dead Tooth
An infected dead tooth can present with several signs. Persistent or severe pain is common, though its intensity can vary or subside as the nerve dies. Swelling in the gums or face near the affected tooth is another indicator. The tooth might also feel tender when biting or touched due to pressure from the infection.
The tooth often discolors, appearing yellow, gray, or black, similar to a bruise, as internal blood cells break down. Some individuals may experience a bad taste or persistent bad breath due to bacterial buildup. A visible pimple-like bump on the gums, known as a fistula or gum boil, can also form, indicating pus drainage from an abscess. Regular dental check-ups are important, as some infections may be asymptomatic.
Treatment for Infected Teeth
Diagnosis typically involves a clinical examination, dental X-rays to visualize the infection’s extent, and pulp vitality tests. Once diagnosed, the goal of treatment is to eliminate the infection and preserve the tooth if possible.
Root canal therapy is a common treatment to save the tooth. This procedure involves removing infected pulp tissue and bacteria from the root canals, cleaning and shaping them, then filling and sealing them to prevent future infection. After a root canal, a crown is often placed to protect the tooth and restore its function. If the infection is too severe, the tooth is extensively damaged, or a root canal is not viable, extraction may be necessary. For extracted teeth, dental implants or bridges can replace the missing tooth.