Often, a dying tooth is easy to recognize. Many times, a tooth will become discolored as the soft tissue and nerves inside the tooth die from infection. This discoloration is a clear sign, but often, the first warning sign of a dying tooth is jaw pain around the damaged tooth.
Once your tooth has become infected and begins to die, you need immediate intervention. Here at Bridge Creek Dental, our dentists have helped save many dying teeth from becoming worse and are ready to help you.
A Root Canal Can Save A Dying Tooth
After a tooth has been infected, our dentist will usually perform a root canal to save the tooth from further damage. The root canal allows our dentists to reach the source of the infection, clean it out, then refill the area with dental composite to stave off any further infection.
This procedure will allow you to retain the tooth. You will need to have the tooth crowned after the root canal, as the root canal procedure removes a significant amount of the enamel on the top of the tooth, leaving it vulnerable to bacteria.
Don’t Delay Care For A Dying Tooth
Some people delay coming into the dental clinic to take care of their dying tooth. It can be due to fear or a belief that homeopathic methods can cure the dying tooth. However, if the tooth is dying, it cannot be saved except by dental intervention. If you delay too long, several things can happen.
- You can develop bad breath as the infection remains. Without intervention, there is no way to rid yourself of the bad smell, as it will be continually be refreshed by the infected tooth.
- An abscess can form in your gums, which is a pocket of infection. Abscesses are incredibly painful, and in serious cases, can lead to death if the infection enters your bloodstream.
- The tooth can die entirely, leaving the tooth permanently discolored. A dead tooth is far more brittle than a healthy tooth, making dead teeth more like to chip and crack.
- There is potential for the infection which killed the tooth to spread to the teeth nearby the dead tooth, killing them as well.
Visit Bridge Creek Dental For Dental Care
Whether you need a root canal or other dental services, contact us for an appointment. Our dentists are highly experienced and offer a range of dental care services to help you enjoy the best oral health.