A “dead tooth,” or non-vital tooth, occurs when the pulp—the innermost part containing nerves and blood vessels—dies due to severe infection or physical trauma. This can happen from an untreated cavity allowing bacteria to reach the pulp, or a direct injury like a blow to the mouth damaging blood vessels and nerves.
A dead tooth can show several signs. Discoloration is common, with the tooth often appearing yellow, brown, gray, or black, differing from healthy teeth. This color change is like bruising from dead blood cells. Some experience no pain, while others report discomfort, gum swelling, a bad taste, or an abscess (a pimple-like bump) on the gums. Ignoring symptoms can spread infection to adjacent teeth, the jawbone, or gums.
Diagnosing a Dead Tooth
Confirming a dead tooth requires professional dental assessment. Dentists use diagnostic tools like X-rays to visualize the tooth’s internal structures and surrounding bone. X-rays can reveal infection signs around the root, such as bone loss or an abscess appearing as a dark area at the root tip.
Pulp vitality tests are also used. Thermal tests apply hot or cold stimuli to gauge nerve response; a dead tooth typically shows no response. Electric pulp tests (EPT) deliver a mild electrical current to assess nerve activity. Percussion and palpation tests involve gently tapping the tooth or pressing on surrounding gum tissue to check for tenderness or pain, indicating inflammation or infection.
Root Canal Therapy: The Primary Solution
Root canal therapy (endodontic treatment) is the most common method to save a tooth with dead or infected pulp. This procedure removes compromised tissue, cleans the internal chamber, and seals the tooth to prevent further infection. Treatment begins with a local anesthetic. A dental dam is then placed around the affected tooth to isolate it and maintain a clean, dry field.
The dentist creates an access hole in the tooth’s crown to reach the pulp chamber. Instruments remove infected pulp tissue from the chamber and root canals. The canals are then cleaned, disinfected, and shaped for filling. An antibacterial solution irrigates the canals.
Once clean and dry, canals are filled with gutta-percha, a biocompatible, rubber-like material, which seals them to prevent re-infection. A temporary filling is placed. A final restoration, often a dental crown, is placed over the treated tooth. This crown protects the tooth, as it can become brittle without its vital pulp.
Extraction and Replacement Options
While root canal therapy often saves a dead tooth, extraction is necessary in some cases. If a dead tooth has extensive structural damage, severe infection, or complications like vertical root fractures, removal may be the only option to prevent infection spread. Replacing the missing tooth is important to maintain chewing function, prevent shifting, and preserve jawbone integrity.
Dental implants are a replacement solution involving surgical placement of a post into the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root. This post integrates with the bone, providing a stable foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture. Implants offer improved chewing, enhanced appearance, and jawbone density preservation, as they stimulate the bone like natural tooth roots.
Dental bridges offer another replacement choice, particularly when one or more teeth are missing in a row. A bridge consists of artificial teeth held by crowns cemented onto adjacent natural teeth. This option restores chewing function and aesthetics, and helps prevent neighboring teeth from drifting. Dentures are removable appliances that replace multiple missing teeth or an entire arch. They improve chewing, speech, and facial appearance, providing a cost-effective solution.
Preventing Future Dental Issues
Preventing dental problems, including the death of other teeth, involves proactive measures. Good oral hygiene is foundational. This includes brushing teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and debris. Daily flossing cleans between teeth and below the gum line, preventing plaque buildup and gum disease. An antibacterial mouthwash can further reduce bacteria.
Routine dental check-ups and professional cleanings are also important. Regular visits allow dentists to detect and address early signs of decay or other issues before they lead to pulp infection. Cleanings remove hardened plaque (tartar). Protective measures minimize dental trauma; wearing a mouthguard during sports shields teeth from impacts. A balanced diet, limiting sugary foods, and staying hydrated also contribute to oral health by reducing decay risk.