Yes, a dead tooth can hurt, but the pain varies: it might be severe, mild, or even absent until an infection develops, causing pain from the surrounding tissues or an abscess, often felt as throbbing, sensitivity to pressure, or swelling, even though the nerve inside is gone. The pain often comes from the infection spreading to the ligaments or bone, not the dead nerve itself, and can feel sensitive to hot/cold or chewing pressure.
Addressing a dead tooth promptly is crucial for maintaining both your oral health and overall well-being. Leaving a dead tooth untreated can lead to severe complications, from infections to systemic health issues, all of which can be avoided with timely care.
One sign is discoloration. You may notice that one of your teeth is more yellow or gray than the others around it. If the tooth's color is changing rapidly, it could be a warning sign that it's not receiving blood flow like the other teeth. Another common sign of a dying tooth is pain.
So, “How long can a dead tooth stay in your mouth?” Technically, it could remain there for weeks or even months, but this is not recommended.
Signs Your Tooth May Be Dead
Discoloration: A dead tooth can turn yellow, gray, or even black as the nerve dies. Pain and Sensitivity: You might still feel pain because of inflammation around the dead tooth or an infection in the surrounding tissue.
There are two treatment options when a nerve dies in your tooth: extraction or root canal therapy. Your general dentist might perform a root canal or refer you to a specialist called an endodontist.
The 3-3-3 rule for toothache is a temporary pain management strategy: take 3 ibuprofen (200mg each) three times a day for 3 days, but 3 hours apart (or every 8 hours), to reduce inflammation and pain until you can see a dentist; it's crucial to consult a doctor first, especially with underlying conditions, as it's not a cure but a short-term fix for inflammation.
A dead tooth might eventually fall out on its own, but your dentist will recommend having it removed because of the risk of infection. Bacteria from the dead tooth can easily infect another tooth and cause more dental problems or even reach the bone or bloodstream.
The "333 dental rule" refers to two different concepts: a hygiene guideline (brush 3 times a day for 3 minutes, replace brush every 3 months) and a temporary toothache relief method (take 3 ibuprofen tablets, 3 times a day, for 3 days). The hygiene rule promotes better habits, while the pain management rule helps control inflammation and pain before a dental visit, but requires caution as it's not a cure.
When the blood supply is cut off to the pulp, the tooth will start to die due to lack of much-needed nutrients and oxygen. This condition is also referred to as a non-vital or necrotic tooth. Left untreated, it will likely become infected, possibly abscessed, and will eventually fall out on its own without proper care.
Electric pulp testing: In this test, an instrument delivers a small electrical pulse to your tooth. If you can feel the stimulation, your pulp is alive. In pulp necrosis, you won't feel the electrical pulse. Heat or cold test: This involves touching your teeth with a hot or cold substance.
5 Stages of Tooth Decay
Dentists usually use procedures like root canal therapy to treat the problem and preserve the tooth while reducing related discomfort. Root canal therapy is often recommended for dead teeth to alleviate pain and save them from extraction. It aims to remove infected pulp and seal the root canal to prevent further decay.
A dead tooth will typically be darker than surrounding teeth and it could also be more sensitive. Without a blood supply, it will also be more susceptible to damage and will become more brittle over time. Other signs of a dead tooth include pain in your teeth, jaw, cheek and even headaches.
Simple Extraction: Typically ranges from $75 to $250. Surgical Extraction: Usually costs between $150 and $650. Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Can range from $120 to $800 per tooth, depending on complexity and whether the tooth is impacted.
The myth that rotten teeth are easier to extract likely stems from the mistaken notion that weaker structures require less effort to remove. In reality, the extraction process is more nuanced and affected by the tooth's condition, surrounding tissues, and overall oral health.
When you eat sugary foods or sip sugary drinks for long periods of time, plaque bacteria use that sugar to produce acids that attack your enamel, the hard surface of your tooth. Most carbonated soft drinks, including diet soda, are acidic and therefore, bad for your teeth.
Ibuprofen is a popular choice for tooth pain because it tackles both pain and inflammation. If your toothache is accompanied by swelling, this might be your best bet. Dosage: Typically, 200 to 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours.
Code 1 – Slight bleeding when probed, no calculus or gingival pockets under 3.5mm. Code 2 – Slight bleeding when probed, Calculus or Plaque present and gingival pockets under 3.5mm. Code 3 – Calculus and Plaque present under the gum margin and gingival pockets between 3.5 – 5.5mm.
Wisdom Teeth (Third Molars)
Wisdom teeth are notorious for being the most challenging to extract. Reasons include: Impaction: Often trapped under the gums or jawbone.
Here are eight common signs that might indicate you need a root canal:
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. “Dead tooth” is not always an accurate description. Although the pulp may have died, usually the tooth can be saved with a root canal.
According to acupressure, gently pressing the area between your thumb and index finger (called the Hegu or LI4 point) may help reduce toothache pain temporarily. However, this should not replace professional dental care.
What Side to Sleep on With a Toothache? As sleeping with toothache can turn bedtime into a nightly battle, sleep on the side opposite the aching tooth. This position keeps pressure off the painful area. If pain affects both sides, sleep on your back with your head propped up.
The timeline depends on the cause and severity of damage. For minor decay, the nerve may take weeks to die. For severe trauma or infection, it could die within days.