Dead tooth is the term used to describe a tooth that is devoid of vital pulp. Such a situation occurs when, as a result of pathological stimuli, the living tooth tissue dies. Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment are also defined as dead teeth. How to recognize if a tooth is dead and if such a tooth can hurt?

A dead toothis one in which, as a result of pathological factors, such as deep cavities or mechanical trauma, the living tissues inside it die.

The tooth is made of hard tissues of enamel and dentin, which protect the pulp inside. The pulp is a living tissue, rich in vessels, nerves and various types of cells, it fills the chamber and the canal system of the tooth. It connects with the rest of the body's tissues through the apical openings at the top of the peaks.

When the living tissues inside it die, it is a dead tooth. The death of the pulp is associated with the occurrence of various symptoms that are often unpleasant for the patient.

Contents:

  1. What can cause a tooth to "die"?
  2. How to recognize a dead tooth
  3. Treatment of "dead" teeth
  4. Dead tooth discoloration and whitening

What can cause a tooth to "die"?

There are many causes of pulp necrosis. Tooth decay is undoubtedly the first place on the podium. It takes its toll in both milk and permanent dentition. The bacteria responsible for the formation of cavities produce many toxic substances.

In the first phase of cavity formation, when it is shallow and the pulp is separated from the oral cavity by a relatively thick layer of dentin, pulpitis develops. Initially, this phenomenon is reversible. As the cavity deepens, the layer of dentin that covers the pulp contracts, and the oral cavity bacteria have an increasingly negative effect on the pulp. Inflammation, which had been reversible so far, goes into an irreversible phase, and then the pulp dies.

Another factor that may cause the pulp to die is mechanical trauma. A fall or impact may disturb the blood flow in the pulp of the tooth. Deprived of oxygen and nutrientscells die, resulting in pulp necrosis. A similar situation occurs during "knocking out" of a tooth.

Dead pulp tissues in the oral cavity are colonized by harmful bacteria that cause their decay. This condition is called tooth gangrene and can spread further to adjacent anatomical structures. In this way, dental abscesses are formed, which pose a real he alth risk.

Toothache - what to do?

How to recognize a dead tooth

Oftendead toothmay go unnoticed for many months or even years, but sooner or later it will make itself felt. The dead pulp inside the tooth causes its discoloration. The tooth becomes darker and stands out from the rest of the he althy teeth. A tooth with a dead pulp does not react to any external factors. High and low temperature, electrical stimuli do not cause any patient sensations. The dentist takes advantage of this phenomenon during an examination in a dentist's office. The most frequently checked is the reaction to cold stimuli. The doctor places a cotton ball chilled with ethyl chloride on the "suspect", dried tooth. If the tooth does not react, it may suggest that the tooth is dead (but this is not always the case). Many patients wonder if a dead tooth hurts? Well, initially the pain may not be felt, but over timedead toothstarts to hurt. An X-ray usually shows a deep carious lesion reaching the pulp.

Treatment of "dead" teeth

If the dentist, after examining the patient, diagnoses pulp necrosis, i.e. decides that the tooth is already dead, appropriate treatment should be started. If possible, it is advisable to carry out root canal treatment, otherwise known as endodontic treatment. It involves the removal of dead tissue from the inside of the tooth, thorough chemical and mechanical cleaning of the canal system, and then filling the empty space with special dental materials. After the end of the root canal treatment, the tooth crown should be rebuilt so that the tooth can fulfill its function. Root canal treatment of adults is reimbursed under the resources of the National He alth Fund only in the anterior section, i.e. from canine to canine. You will have to pay for the treatment of the remaining teeth yourself. If endodontic treatment cannot be performed, the tooth is eligible for removal, because it may cause complications that are dangerous to he alth.

Dead tooth discoloration and whitening

In many cases of pulp necrosis, a discoloration of the crown of a dead tooth occurs. Situationthis may take place even several months or even years after the root canal treatment. Even a slight discoloration of the tooth, especially the one found in the front teeth, does not look very attractive. In such a situation, you can try to whiten the dead tooth. The procedure is performed in the office by a dentist. The whitening treatment consists in re-opening the tooth and introducing a special whitening agent inside the tooth. The resulting cavity is closed for a few days with a special dressing material. After a few days (depending on the doctor's recommendations), you should come for another appointment. The color of the tooth will be assessed on it, if it has lightened a little, it can be concluded that the whitening was effective. If necessary, replace the whitening preparation with a new one and wait a few more days. It should be noted that whitening is not a permanent procedure and over timedead toothmay change color again.

Another method of whitening dead teeth is whitening that takes place only in a dentist's office. As in the previous case, the tooth is opened and the whitening agent is inserted inside it. The difference is that the pruner activates the whitening preparation with a special lamp for about five minutes. After obtaining the appropriate result, solid fill is performed.

Category:

Dentistry and Orthodontics