The biggest factor a dentist looks at when deciding if a tooth can be saved is how much “good” tooth structure there is left. If the tooth is broken at the gumline and has a big cavity that goes down to the bone then there is little hope that the tooth can be saved.
In reality, it is never too late to fix bad teeth, though in some cases, the fix is the extraction of a dead tooth. However, with the help of your skilled Billings, MT dentist, your teeth can be properly taken care of, and you can start enjoying your smile again.
If your tooth is cracked or broken due to trauma, especially below the gum line, there may not be any way to preserve the tooth.
If tooth decay has spread to the pulp (in the centre of the tooth, containing blood and nerves) – this may be removed in a process known as root canal treatment. If the tooth is so badly damaged that it can't be restored – it may need to be removed.
If a tiny portion of your tooth is broken, the dentist might recommend protecting the remaining portion of the tooth with dental fillings or a dental crown. If you have a severe fracture, the dentist offers endodontic surgery to eliminate the fractured portion to protect the dental pulp in the tooth.
Once a tooth is damaged or decaying, it's only a matter of time before it dies. Depending on how heavy the damage, the tooth could die within a matter of days or even a couple of months.
A dying tooth may appear yellow, light brown, gray, or even black. It may look almost as if the tooth is bruised. The discoloration will increase over time as the tooth continues to decay and the nerve dies. If you experience any symptoms of a dying tooth, it's important to see your dentist right away.
Tooth Sensitivity or Pain – As the nerves that lead to a dying tooth begin to die away, they may become extra sensitive, causing you a tooth ache or sensitivity to hot or cold foods. You may experience pain while chewing at or around the site of the dead tooth.
The empty space inside dead teeth is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, the perfect setting for an infection. You could also end up with a painful abscess. With treatment, you can avoid both these issues.
Here's what you need to remember: Small or moderately sized cavities are usually treatable with fillings. Those that are too deep or too large may require a more intensive treatment. Once bacteria have entered your tooth, it may be too late for a filling because we will need to prevent or treat an existing infection.
Root Canals Aren't Possible with Severe Infection
If the procedure isn't done promptly, however, the infection can spread. If the deepest layers of the pulp become infected, it may be too late to save the tooth.
Dead or dying nerves in the pulp can lead to a dead tooth. A dead tooth will also no longer have any blood flow to it. A dead nerve in a tooth is sometimes referred to as a necrotic pulp or a pulpless tooth. Once this happens, the tooth will eventually fall out by itself.
Treatment Options For a Dead Tooth
The two main dead tooth treatment options are: Root canal therapy. A root canal is the only way to save a dead tooth and involves removing the pulp and cleaning the site to prevent infections.
Treatments for a black tooth
Your dentist can usually remove a small amount of tooth around this area, removing the staining and/or decay and placing a some tooth-coloured bonding material over this area. The tooth bonding will blend in naturally with your surrounding teeth, making the repair invisible.
What is a “Dead Tooth?” When a single tooth changes to become grey in color, you may have a condition known as a necrotic pulp. The pulp is the collection of nerves and blood vessels residing within the hollow chamber of each tooth. It is this pulp tissue that “dies” and most often causes color changes.
In reality, a tooth can continue to hurt long after it has died. The pressure on the nerve tissue within the pulp chamber may continue to refer pain signals into the jaw, while related infection in the surrounding gum tissue can also cause pain.
Do you think you or someone you know may have a dead tooth? The first thing you and others close to you will notice is the smell. Similar to fruits and vegetables you bought and never ate, your tooth gets rotten and starts to release a foul smell.
How Long Does Nerve Pain Last in A Tooth? On average, a tooth nerve pain can last from as little as just a few days to as long as 4-6weeks or, in some instances, even longer. Considering the numbness ad sharp pain that may occur with a tooth nerve, you have to do what you can to get rid of the pain as soon as possible.
Stage Five: Abscess Formation
adults) an abscess can be fatal if not dealt with immediately. Root canal or extraction would be the order of the day should decay reach this stage. You should see us immediately if you believe you're experiencing an abscess.
Non-removal of a dead tooth from your mouth is not wise because it can harm your remaining teeth and jaw, which is significantly dangerous. Depending on the extent and type of damage, the tooth may remain in your mouth for days, months, and even years before falling out by itself.
A dead tooth occurs when those tissues are damaged and the blood supply to the tooth is lost. It may be painful or may cause no symptoms at all. A dead or dying tooth should be treated quickly because it can become infected and have negative effects on the jaw, gums and other teeth.
As long as the tooth doesn't become infected, it will fall out when the child gets older, and a healthy adult tooth will grow in its place. In some cases, however, the pulp inside the tooth dies as a result of the trauma and caused the tooth to become abscessed.