Your smile is a valuable asset, and that’s why we are committed to helping you maintain your healthiest smile. However, dental issues, including a dead tooth, can occur despite our best efforts. Esquire Dental Centres in Scarborough, Ontario, explains your treatment options for a dead tooth.
What is a dead tooth?
Your teeth have three layers—the enamel, dentin, and pulp chamber that contains nerves and blood vessels. The innermost layer—the dental pulp—can be infected or damaged for some reason, causing pulp necrosis (dead tooth). A dead tooth is one whose hard structures remain healthy but no longer receive a blood supply or sensation since the nerve and blood vessels are damaged.
What causes a dead tooth?
The common causes of a dead tooth include:
- Tooth decay: When decay advances past the enamel and dentin, the next victim is the pulp. Once decay reaches the pulp chamber, bacteria infect it and start a slow (but painful) gradual “death” of the tooth.
- Trauma: Tooth injuries from sports accidents or blows can be too severe, damaging the blood vessels. This cuts off the blood supply to the tooth, which eventually dies.
- Repeated dental work: Dental fillings are crucial for repairing minor damage. However, repeated tooth fillings on the same tooth weaken the structure over time. The result? Minor caries develop beneath the tooth, gradually reaching the pulp.
What are the signs of a dead tooth?
A dead tooth doesn’t always go quietly. If you are concerned that you have a dead tooth, here are signs you can watch out for:
- Pain or pressure (especially early on)
- Sensitivity to cold and hot substances
- A dark or gray color, like a shadow on your tooth
- Swelling or an abscess, if infection is brewing below
- No temperature sensation
- Bad breath or a bad taste, even after brushing
Even if it doesn’t hurt anymore, don’t be fooled—the tooth may still harbor trouble beneath the surface. Your Scarborough dentist confirms a dead tooth with clinical examination and dental X-rays.
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What are the treatment options for a dead tooth?
A dead tooth sounds bad, but the good news is that it can be saved. Drs. Amir and Mark Awadalla can save a dead tooth with root canal treatment. The dentist removes the diseased tissues during the procedure, cleans the tooth, and seals it to prevent future infections. Afterward, we cover the tooth with a crown to protect and reinforce it.
We recommend extraction if the dentist can’t save your tooth with a root canal. This happens if the crown, root, or both are extensively damaged. In this case, we’ll remove the tooth completely from its socket. However, we provide dental implants and bridges as practical tooth replacements for the extracted tooth.
How do I prevent a dead tooth?
The best way to treat a dead tooth is prevention. Here are the secrets to avoid pulp necrosis.
- Brush and floss your teeth diligently
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings
- Quit tobacco use
- Wear a customized mouthguard if you play sports or grind your teeth at night
- Reduce the intake of sugary foods and drinks
Do you need treatment for a dead tooth?
A dead tooth is a serious dental issue that needs prompt treatment. Do you suspect an infected or dead tooth? Schedule an appointment with Esquire Dental Centres to discuss your treatment options for a healthy, pain-free smile. Call any of our three offices at 416 223-7869 (North York), 905 250-1605 (Pickering), and 416 203-1434 (Scarborough).
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Dr. Amir Awadalla
Dr. Mark Awadalla
Dr. Ashraf Awadalla
