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. However, it can be dangerous to wait for this to occur, as the tooth can become infected and affect the jaw and other teeth.
A Dead Tooth Can Cause Pain
Nerve damage or pressure typically produces pain, as the nerves of the teeth can demonstrate all too vividly. An injury that exposes the pulp chamber, or an infection that causes pressure inside the pulp chamber to build up, can cause a severe toothache.
In situations in which a cavity forms, is left untreated, and your tooth becomes infected, this infection can spread to surrounding teeth.
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.
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.
It's important to treat a dying or dead tooth as soon as possible. That's because left untreated, the bacteria from the dead tooth can spread and lead to the loss of additional teeth. It could also affect your jawbone and gums. Your dentist may treat a dead or dying tooth with a procedure known as a root canal.
Dental cavities or abscesses
Untreated cavities may become larger, extending into the deeper structures of the tooth and possibly into the tooth's pulp or nerve. This can cause pain that may radiate to other teeth or up the jaw.
Gaps in the upper or lower teeth as well as bleeding gums are reason for concern. Oftentimes, one bad tooth can affect the teeth that are closest to the source of pain or discomfort. Other times, a tooth that's been left to rot or decay or is neglected, will turn out to be a much larger problem.
Cavities are little holes left behind after tooth decay has caused damage. These holes cannot be passed to neighboring teeth, but the bacteria that cause cavities can — just like any other bacteria or germ. Cavities are caused by two main factors: a poor diet and inadequate oral hygiene.
A dead tooth might also cause bad breath and/or a bad taste in your mouth. If the infection is left untreated, it could even cause swelling in your gums, cheek, lymph nodes, or fever.
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.
When a cavity is just beginning, you may not have any symptoms at all. As the decay gets larger, it may cause signs and symptoms such as: Toothache, spontaneous pain or pain that occurs without any apparent cause. Tooth sensitivity.
If left untreated, a tooth infection can spread to other teeth or even the jawbone, resulting in more significant complications such as abscesses, loss of teeth, and possibly even death if the infection is severe enough.
Persistent headaches, jaw aches, or earaches. Noticeable and uncomfortable facial swelling. Dizziness. Chills or high fever.
Cavities that develop quickly and unexpectedly may be the result of: Sudden Dietary Changes: You might have changed your diet in some way, including drinking more soda, adding more sugar to your coffee, eating more starchy or acidic foods, or consuming more sweets.
In dental infections, a CBC count with differential is not mandatory, but a large outpouring of immature granulocytes may indicate the severity of the infection. Blood cultures in patients who are toxic may help guide management if the course is prolonged.
Missing a tooth, even just one, can cause severe and permanent damage to your entire mouth.
If it lasts any longer than 24 hours you should go back to your dental team for advice. Sometimes pain may occur 3-4 days after the extraction when a blood clot has not formed properly in the extraction socket and the bone becomes infected.
If left unchecked by treatment, an infection in the gums can lead to actual bone loss, extending to the root tip of the tooth and its delicate nerve endings -- you bet that can hurt! Bone loss also results in the teeth becoming loose, and the movement of these loosened teeth can create oral pain as well.
Most of the time, the dead tissue gets infected with oral bacteria through saliva or plaque. Depending on your immune system and how aggressive these microbes are, the infection can be slow or fast developing. Yes, you may not feel a toothache anymore, but this will be only for a while.
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.
The decaying nerves in the tooth socket are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. This can lead to a severe infection, which is not only painful but can increase your risk of a chronic health condition, such as cardiovascular disease. For this reason, a dead tooth should never be left alone.
If you have a severe tooth infection, your dentist may prescribe a course of antibiotics to prevent it from spreading. 1 Antibiotics may prevent tooth loss and other serious health complications.