Can a Completely Dead Tooth Be Saved?

There is so much junk food around us that almost no one has a chance of keeping all their teeth intact until old age. Although the teeth seem quite strong at first glance, they are particularly delicate elements of the oral cavity that need daily care. Unfortunately, the process of deterioration is irreversible, and sooner or later, you will have to deal with a “dead” tooth. So, it's worth learning more about what to do in this case.

What Is a Dead Tooth?

To answer this question, you should understand what the tooth is made of. It has three layers:

• Enamel
• Dentin
• Pulp

The last element can be damaged. There are different reasons for this, but the tooth dies as a result of infection and decay. After that, its hard structure remains in place, but the nerve endings and blood vessels inside are dead, so the tooth does not receive nutrition. This is the last stage of dental decay. If you have any problems with your teeth, it is better to prevent them from getting to this condition and immediately contact www.vipdentalny.com/.

Can a Dead Tooth Be Saved?

The answer to this question depends on whether the dead (or depulpated, as it is often called) tooth is subject to restoration. If the pulp is affected by bacteria, the tooth can still be saved. The dentist treats the canals, or, in other words, depulpates them. This happens by removing the remnants of nerve bundles from there. Next, the crown part of the tooth is filled and restored. After that, it can still serve the patient for a long time. So, the answer to the question, “Can a Dead Tooth Be Saved?” is yes. However, only if you visit a doctor on time. The longer the patient delays, the more difficult it is to save the tooth.

Root Canal Therapy: A Common Solution

When treating a dead tooth, there are not many options. The most common method is to work with its root. It involves the following steps.

1. Elimination of a bacterial infection that has spread inside the tooth.
2. Removal of nerve endings in the canals.
3. Filling the canals.
4. Restoration of the crown part of the tooth.

However, remember that this treatment is used if the hard structures of the tooth are still subject to restoration. There are cases when the root system remains intact, and only the crown part is damaged. In such cases, after the treatment stage, a special crown is placed on the tooth.

When Extraction Is Necessary

When dealing with a dead tooth, it is important to clearly understand when treatment is required and when extraction is necessary. The latter is the case when there is no chance of restoring the tooth. After healing, an implant can be placed there, which can last up to 25 years. Of course, you need to take proper care of it.

Removal makes it possible to avoid the risks associated with the treatment of a depulpated tooth. For example, caries may reappear under the crown. This can be the cause of an unpleasant odor. Also, repeated caries leads to infection of the jaw tissue and neighboring teeth.

Before deciding whether to treat or remove a tooth, the doctor considers the following factors.

1. The degree of damage to the root system.
2. The position of the tooth. If it is unstable and the tooth is loose, it is better to remove it.
3. The degree of destruction of the crown. Unfortunately, a tooth severely damaged externally is almost impossible to save.

Risks of Leaving a Dead Tooth Untreated

Although a tooth is dead, that does not mean it does not need care. Left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems. The death of a tooth is accompanied by severe pain because its cavity is infected and the nerves inside are dying. The dead tissue rots, causing bad breath and the further spread of infection, which can extend to other teeth and the soft tissue around them.

As for the dead tooth, it will remain for some time, causing discomfort. However, its coronal part will continue to decay until it can no longer perform chewing functions.

Preventing Tooth Death

It is always better to avoid a disease than to treat it. Therefore, when taking care of your dental health, you should foremost worry about preventive measures. These tips will help you avoid pulp disease and tooth decay.

1. Always brush your teeth twice a day —  in the morning and the evening.
2. Drink water after eating. This cleanses the oral cavity from food debris and bacteria.
3. Brush your teeth thoroughly using a good-quality toothbrush and floss.
4. Visit your dentist at least twice a year.
5. Use a special mouthwash.
6. Give preference to a healthy diet.
7. Periodically, have your teeth professionally cleaned.

Conclusion

A dead tooth is not a sentence. It can be treated, but this may involve certain risks and depend on many factors. In any case, at the slightest suspicion that a tooth may become dead or simply unhealthy, you should consult a doctor who will prescribe the right care and treatment.