Identifying and Treating a Dead Tooth
Teeth are an intricate combination of hard and soft tissues, making them truly alive. However, when the nerves in a tooth’s pulp—the inner core—become damaged due to injury or decay, blood supply can be cut off, leading to a condition known as a dead tooth. This article will help you understand how to identify a dead tooth and provide guidance on what to do if you suspect a problem.
Recognizing the Signs of a Dead Tooth
A dead tooth no longer receives a fresh blood supply. One of the first signs of a dying tooth is often discoloration. While healthy teeth are typically a shade of white, the color can vary based on diet and oral hygiene. Foods and beverages like coffee, blueberries, and red wine, or habits such as smoking, can cause uniform staining. However, a dying tooth will appear differently from the rest, possibly turning yellow, light brown, gray, or even black, resembling a bruise. This discoloration will worsen as the tooth continues to decay and the nerve dies.
Pain is another potential symptom. Some people may not feel any discomfort, while others may experience mild to severe pain. The pain generally results from a dying nerve or an infection. Infection symptoms can include bad breath, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, and swelling around the gums. If you notice any signs of a dying tooth, it’s crucial to consult your dentist immediately.
Causes of a Dead Tooth
A dead tooth can result from trauma or injury, such as being struck in the mouth by a soccer ball or falling and hitting your mouth on something hard. The tooth may die quickly within days, or it might take months or years. Poor dental hygiene is another cause, leading to cavities that, if untreated, can destroy the tooth. Cavities begin in the enamel and, if neglected, can reach the pulp, infecting it and cutting off its blood supply, ultimately causing it to die. Severe pain usually occurs once decay reaches the pulp.
Diagnosing a Dead Tooth
A dying tooth can be detected during a routine dental check-up, often with the help of X-rays, or if you visit the dentist due to pain or discoloration concerns. Always see your dentist after any tooth injury or if symptoms of a dying tooth arise to commence treatment as soon as possible.
Treatment Options for a Dead Tooth
Addressing a dying or dead tooth promptly is vital because, if left untreated, the bacteria can spread, potentially leading to the loss of additional teeth and affecting your jawbone and gums. Dentists may use a root canal procedure or tooth extraction, depending on the situation.
Root Canal Treatment
A root canal can preserve the tooth. The process involves drilling into the tooth, removing the infected pulp, and cleaning the area. Afterward, the dentist fills and seals the roots, placing a permanent filling over the opening. A crown may be necessary, especially if the enamel is damaged or the tooth has a large filling, as teeth undergoing a root canal can become brittle over time. Crowns are recommended for back teeth due to regular biting and grinding. They are custom-made to match the color of your surrounding teeth for a seamless appearance. If a crown is not needed, tooth bleaching may help address any discoloration, typically on front teeth. Alternatively, your dentist might suggest a porcelain veneer.
Extraction
If the tooth is severely damaged beyond repair, extraction may be the only option. After removing the tooth, you can consider implants, dentures, or bridges as replacements. Discuss with your dentist regarding the durability, costs, insurance coverage, and care for replacement teeth.
Managing Pain at Home
While waiting for dental treatment, some measures can help alleviate tooth pain:
– Avoid hot drinks, as they can increase inflammation.
– Use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).
– Steer clear of hard foods, which can irritate the damaged nerves.
Remember, home remedies should not replace professional dental care. They are merely interim solutions until your appointment.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Eastwind Dental Care at (503) 614-0198 or visit their website at www.eastwinddentalcare.com/blog/. Located at 7546 NE Shaleen St, Hillsboro, OR 97124.
East Wind Dental Care
Dental Implant placement in Hillsboro, Oregon, and Beaverton Oregon
family dentistry in Hillsboro
https://eastwinddentalcare.com
amily and Cosmetics Dentistry in Hillsboro, Oregon.
East Wind Dental Care Family and cosmetics dentistry in Hillsboro Oregon. We at East Wind Dental Care are committed to providing quality dental care to families located in the Hillsboro and Beaverton area and treat patients of all ages. We provide comprehensive solutions for our patients' oral health needs. Believing in the importance of listening to our patients, we take the time to truly understand each person's needs, goals, and lifestyle. By understanding our patients' objectives we can provide solutions that will improve their health while transforming their smile into something bright and beautiful. East Wind Dental Care at Hillsboro, Oregon provides a wide variety of dental services and procedures to address all of our patients' dental health needs. By combining quality patient care with up-to-date technology, we are able to treat patients of all ages in a comfortable and relaxing setting. Our website includes information on the following items: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Dental Implants, Teeth Whitening, Dental Veneers, Dentures, Dental Crowns and more. Our Dentist and expert staff are trained to not only treat patients but to identify what caused the health concern in the first place. This comprehensive approach sets patients of East Wind Dental Care in Hillsboro on the road to recovery and long term oral health. When you walk into the office of East Wind Dental Care you will be immediately greeted by our friendly staff who are dedicated to making sure that you feel comfortable during your entire appointment. We understand that patients can feel anxious when going to the dentist, and our staff will take the time to listen to all of your concerns and help you understand exactly what your procedure is going to be like. At East Wind Dental Care we pride ourselves on being an affordable family dentist that accepts a variety of insurance plans and payment options like cash and credit cards, because we want to provide a beautiful, healthy smile to everyone in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area. Call East Wind Dental Care today at 503-614-0198 to see why we are the dentist of choice in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area.
Address: 7546 NE Shaleen St Hillsboro, OR 97124, USA
Phone: 503-614-0198 Call us today!
Website: https://www.eastwinddentalcare.com
Dentist in Hillsboro, OR - East Wind Dental Care provides general dentistry in Hillsboro. Make your next family dentist appointment at East Wind Dental Care. General Dentistry, Preventative Dentistry, Pediatric (Kids!) Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Tooth Replacement. Crowns and Bridges, Dental Implants & Mini Dental Implants Dentures (with specialty), Complete denture, Partial Dentures.
East Wind Dental Care
Family and cosmetics dentistry in Hillsboro Oregon.
We at East Wind Dental Care are committed to providing quality dental care to families located in the Hillsboro and Beaverton area and treat patients of all ages. We provide comprehensive solutions for our patients' oral health needs. Believing in the importance of listening to our patients, we take the time to truly understand each person's needs, goals, and lifestyle. By understanding our patients' objectives we can provide solutions that will improve their health while transforming their smile into something bright and beautiful.
East Wind Dental Care at Hillsboro, Oregon provides a wide variety of dental services and procedures to address all of our patients' dental health needs. By combining quality patient care with up-to-date technology, we are able to treat patients of all ages in a comfortable and relaxing setting. Our website includes information on the following items: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Family Dentist, General Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Dental Implants, Teeth Whitening, Dental Veneers, Dentures, Dental Crowns and more. Our Dentist and expert staff are trained to not only treat patients but to identify what caused the health concern in the first place. This comprehensive approach sets patients of East Wind Dental Care in Hillsboro on the road to recovery and long term oral health.
When you walk into the office of East Wind Dental Care you will be immediately greeted by our friendly staff who are dedicated to making sure that you feel comfortable during your entire appointment. We understand that patients can feel anxious when going to the dentist, and our staff will take the time to listen to all of your concerns and help you understand exactly what your procedure is going to be like. At East Wind Dental Care we pride ourselves on being an affordable family dentist that accepts a variety of insurance plans and payment options like cash and credit cards, because we want to provide a beautiful, healthy smile to everyone in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area. Call East Wind Dental Care today at 503-614-0198 to see why we are the dentist of choice in the Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Portland area.
East Wind Dental Care
Address: 7546 NE Shaleen St Hillsboro, OR 97124, USA
Phone: 503-614-0198 Call us today!
Opening Hours Mon - Fri: 8:00 - 17:00 and Saturdays with appointments.
Website: https://eastwinddentalcare.com/
Make an appointment online at https://eastwinddentalcare.com/contact-3/
