The Whole Tooth and Nothing But the Tooth

If you have a dead or dying tooth in your mouth, you have to go to the dentist. Even if the tooth shows no signs of pain, it can be a nuisance in your mouth or even a threat to your other teeth. A dead or dying tooth can only be salvaged if the root is OK and the nerves are still viable, so if you want to save a tooth that is failing, see the dentist right away. 

Even if you believe you have a dead tooth in your mouth and don't believe the tooth will be painful to take out, have your dentist look at the tooth and never try to remove a dead tooth on your own. Here are signs you have a dead or dying tooth and need to see your dentist.

You feel inconsistent pain

Do you have a tooth that hurts at various parts of the day and not others? Does it feel very painful when it does hurt, or not uncomfortable at all? If you have inconsistent pain in your tooth and you don't know why it might be a dead or dying tooth. Your dentist will use special machines to trigger the nerves of a dead or dying tooth to identify the root cause of what's going on. They will then either wish to pull the tooth or perform a root canal and put a crown on the tooth, whichever is most beneficial to you.

Your tooth is strangely colored

Is your tooth black, gray, yellowed, green, or otherwise looking strange? If you have a tooth that is dead or dying, your dentist may be able to spot the offending tooth right away. Your tooth turns colors because it has died, just like dead flesh turns gray and loses its color as well.

This doesn't happen with all dead teeth and a tooth that is injured or infected may also turn color, so it's wise to have your dentist check out your tooth to see what is going on and why your tooth is discolored. For example, if your tooth has some black or other spots, it may be more likely to have an infection and not be dying.

The only way to know for sure if you have a dead or dying tooth is to see your dentist. They can identify what is causing your dental pain and strange tooth discoloration and repair your tooth as needed. If you have issues with your tooth, your dentist will want to know.

Contact a local dentist to learn more.