A dead tooth is a tooth that no longer receives blood. All tissues and bones in your body need blood to continue to function, and if a tooth does not receive that, then it dies. Although sometimes nothing can be done to prevent teeth from dying, measures should be taken to reduce your likelihood of experiencing this.

What Is a Dead Tooth?

What Causes A Tooth To Die? 

There are a couple reasons why teeth might lose access to blood. A common reason is that the tooth develops a bacterial infection that is not treated in a timely manner. Cavities are fairly typical oral health problems. A filling is generally all that is needed to stop it. However, if the bacteria are allowed to continue eating its way to the center of the tooth. Then eventually, it is going to reach the pulp. Infected tooth pulp will need to be treated with a root canal procedure.

Another reason why a death tooth develops is that the person experiences significant facial trauma. Getting hit in the face during a sporting event can cause the tooth to lose access to blood vessels. Although it is possible to save the tooth afterward, many times the tooth merely dies upon impact.

How Are Dead Teeth Treated?

As mentioned above, one way to treat a dead tooth is to get a root canal. It is important to bear in mind that this treatment will not bring the tooth back to life. It merely prevents the infection from spreading into other teeth and your gum tissue. Your tooth will remain in your mouth, and a crown will need to be placed over it in order to strengthen it.

A dead tooth might sound a little scary, but if it is discovered early enough, then treatment is entirely possible. This is a big reason why it is so important to be mindful of any changes in your dental health and to see a dentist regularly.

Prevent Tooth Decay Today

If you are still looking for a periodontist contact the Center for Periodontics & Implant Dentistry today by calling us today and take the next step on regaining your confident smile! Proudly serving Jenkintown, Abington, Elkins Park, Cheltenham, Glenside, Willow Grove, Wyncote, Montgomery County, Bucks County and surrounding areas.