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Not all dental issues are immediately obvious, and a dead tooth is one of them. While it can be hard to know if your tooth is dying, learning about the common symptoms will help. Prompt care can make a significant difference, so here’s what you need to know about a nonvital tooth.
Read to learn how to spot the signs and take action to protect your smile.
What Causes a Tooth to Die?
A tooth dies when its nerve tissue loses blood supply. Common causes include severe decay, physical trauma, or infection. Without treatment, a dead tooth can lead to complications like abscesses or damage to nearby teeth.
Telltale Signs of a Dead Tooth in Norwell
How do you know if your tooth is dead? Look out for the following symptoms:
- Tooth Discoloration
One of the earliest signs is a noticeable darkening of the tooth. A gray, yellow, or black shade indicates that the tooth’s nerve is no longer healthy. If discoloration does not respond to whitening or seems to spread, it’s likely due to a dead tooth. - Pain That Comes and Goes
Dead teeth may still cause intermittent pain due to inflammation in the surrounding tissues or infection. Pay attention to tooth pain, especially if it flares up with hot and cold items. - Chronic Bad Breath
Bacterial buildup around the dead tooth can lead to a persistent bad odor, even after brushing. If you’re struggling with halitosis, it may be due to your nonvital tooth. - Sensitivity or Gum Issues
Swollen gums, pus discharge, or sensitivity in the surrounding area may point to an abscess caused by the dead tooth.
Treatment Options for a Nonvital Tooth
Early intervention can help preserve the tooth and reduce the risk of further complications. Advanced Dental Arts offers various solutions, including root canal therapy to clean out the infected tissue or extraction if necessary. However, we must treat the tooth soon enough for a root canal to be an option.
In some cases, a suitable option is tooth removal and replacement. We offer durable, natural-looking dental implants in Norwell to help you reclaim your smile.
Read more: Tips for Choosing the Best Dentist
Visit Us for a Root Canal or Tooth Replacement in Norwell
If you notice any of these symptoms, reach out to Advanced Dental Arts for professional care. Our dentist in Norwell, MA, offers comprehensive dental services to help prevent and treat a dead tooth. Count on us for modern root canals, prompt tooth removal, or quality tooth replacement services. Protecting your oral health is our priority. Contact us now for a healthy and bright smile.
