Cavities begin at the outermost layer, enamel, as a result of acidity. If a cavity goes untreated, it will deepen. A cavity that passes through the enamel and reaches softer dentin tissue can quickly spread infection to the center of the tooth, where the nerve lives.
It is an infection in the pulp of the tooth that causes inflammation and pressure. The pressure cuts off blood supply to the nerve and other parts of the tooth. Not only can this cause intense pain but this will destroy the tooth.
An injury to a tooth can also cause the blood supply to be cut off. A fall or trauma during sports or other activities may cause no substantial visible damage but may disrupt blood supply enough that the tooth dies. This can happen within a day or two or could happen gradually. It is not possible to bring a dead tooth back to a normal, healthy condition. However, the tooth structure can be saved if treatment is sought early.
To save a tooth that has been badly damaged, a dentist will perform root canal treatment. Root canal therapy is the procedure in which the dead and infected soft matter at the center of the tooth pulp is removed. The dental pulp contains the nerves that are causing pain, blood vessels, and soft tissue that buffers the nerve.
After removing the infected tissue, the empty root canal is cleaned with a sterilizing solution. It is then filled with an inert material called gutta-percha. This closing of the canal prevents new bacteria from entering the space and causing recurring infection. The treated tooth may need to be restored with a dental crown to prevent breaking. It is nearly impossible to estimate how long it takes for a tooth to die. To stay viable, teeth must have a continuous blood supply to the pulp, the innermost part of the tooth which is comprised of nerves and blood vessels.
When the blood supply is cut off to the pulp, the tooth will start to die due to lack of much-needed nutrients and oxygen. This condition is also referred to as a non-vital or necrotic tooth. Left untreated, it will likely become infected, possibly abscessed, and will eventually fall out on its own without proper care. Decay of the Tooth: Through lack of consistent oral hygiene habits, cavities may occur and, over time, will give bacteria access to the soft tissue of the pulp.
It will then cause infection and eventually the death of the tooth. Tooth pulp that is healthy will fight off the bacteria as long as it possibly can, but the longer the inflammation goes on, the more likely it is that the tooth will become necrotic.
Tooth Trauma: Physical injury to the tooth can occur suddenly and for many reasons, such as participating in a contact sporting event or possibly a fall where the mouth or face is injured. If not addressed quickly, the blood flow to the tooth may cease, causing the tooth to die. Our Commitment Our Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program brings oral health education to more than half a billion children around the world. Learn more about our commitment to oral health education.
Top Articles. Dental Anatomy To understand what a dead nerve in a tooth means, it helps to be familiar with the tooth's various parts. Why Do Tooth Nerves Die? There are many reasons tooth nerves die. Some of them include: A broken tooth Deep crown preparations Repeated invasive procedures Grinding or clenching your teeth These incidents can irritate pulp tissue, causing it to become inflamed. What Is Root Canal Therapy? Here's what a root canal, a surprisingly painless procedure, consists of: Your dental professional will administer a local anesthetic so that you feel no pain and will cover your mouth with a rubber dam to keep it clean and saliva-free.
They will make an opening in the tooth to access the pulpal area. They will remove pulp tissue with small instruments and clean the canals, preparing to fill them. They will place a rubbery dental material in the canals of the tooth. Finally, they might place a temporary filling in the tooth to protect it until your next visit.
Was this article helpful? Like Neutral. You also might like. Coupons Shop Now Our Mission. When this type of pain develops it typically will stick to one tooth. Common causes of this include a chipped or cracked tooth, tooth decay, and in some instances, can develop following dental work, including a recent tooth filling. This type of sensitivity can also develop as a result of prolonged clenching or grinding of the teeth.
Dental sensitivity: The other type of sensitivity is dental sensitivity, which affects more of the mouth than just surrounding one single tooth. This type of nerve damage will occur when the tooth enamel becomes damaged, potentially as a result of a chip or a crack, but also potentially as a result of erosion.
This allows external stimuli to access the nerves of the teeth, which means that eating foods that are particularly hot, cold or acidic can cause severe pain throughout the mouth. One of the largest causes of dental sensitivity is the repeated use of teeth whitening products, which breaks down the enamel of the tooth and leaves your teeth open to damage. Here are some of the most common signs of tooth nerve pain: A dull ache along the gum line Pain that targets a single tooth or radiates throughout the mouth Discomfort that worsens after eating, especially following meals that are hot, cold, or acidic Common Treatments for Tooth Nerve Pain There are several potential treatment options that may be used to help address your tooth pain as a result of nerve damage.
Filling: A filling is the most common form of dental repair. With this type of treatment, the damaged tooth is filled with a dental cement or filling.
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