If you don't want to end up with a dead tooth, regular visits to the dentist are a must. But see if you have any of these symptoms so you can get treated.

Did you know your teeth are alive? Made up of a combination of hard and soft tissue, your teeth need just as much care to stay alive as you do.

This also means that your teeth can die. If the nerves that make up the living tissue become injured or start to decay, this can lead to a dead tooth. A dead tooth is also sometimes referred to as a "non-vital tooth."

But, how do you know if you have a dead tooth? And how is a dead tooth treated? Read this guide to find out.

What Causes a Dead Tooth?

A dead tooth is often caused by injury or trauma to the teeth. This can include things like getting hit in the mouth with a baseball, or even tripping and falling on a tooth.

Teeth can also die due to decay, or lack of care. Poor dental hygiene usually leads to cavities. When cavities are left untreated, the tooth can be completely destroyed.

This is because cavities form on the enamel, or outside, of the tooth. If the cavity isn't treated, it will continue to get deeper and deeper until it reaches the pulp. The pulp is the area of the tooth where the nerves and tissues live.

When the pulp becomes infected, the blood supply is cut off and the tooth will eventually die. In many cases, this level of infection will lead to extreme pain. Though, it can take weeks or months for a tooth to die fully.

How Do You Know If You Have a Dead Tooth?

One of the first signs of a dead tooth is discoloration. This is because there is a lack of blood flow to the tooth, causing it to appear yellow or gray. In some cases, a dead tooth may even look black.

As the decay worsens, the tooth will continue to become more and more discolored. Many times, it appears almost bruised.

Some people also experience pain in the area around the dead tooth. This pain can be in the tooth itself or in the gums nearby. It is generally caused by a dying nerve.

However, levels of pain can vary. Some people don't experience any pain at all. In these cases, some other signs of a dead tooth to look out for include:

Bad taste in your mouth
Bad breath that doesn't seem to go away
Swollen gums

If you notice any of these signs, you should make an appointment to see your local dentist in Honesdale, PA before the problem gets worse.

How Is a Dead Tooth Treated?

A dead tooth should always be treated as soon as possible. Long-term damage from a dead tooth can lead to serious problems in the jawbone and gums. Bacteria from a dead tooth may also be able to spread to additional teeth.

There are two primary treatments for a dead tooth: root canals and extractions.

Root Canal

If you get a root canal, you'll be able to keep your tooth intact. In a root canal, your dentist uses a drill to make an opening in the tooth. They then use small dental tools to scoop out the infected pulp.

After removing the infection, the roots of the tooth are sealed and a permanent filling is placed in the opening made by your dentist. In some cases, you will need a crown after getting a root canal.

Crowns are especially useful for damaged enamel or larger fillings. This is because root canals may eventually cause the tooth to become brittle. A crown helps to protect the longevity of the tooth.

Even if a crown isn't necessary, your dentist may recommend tooth bleaching, especially for the most visible teeth. This is meant to correct the discoloration caused by the dead tooth. They may also recommend a porcelain veneer.

Tooth Extraction

In some severe cases, a root canal is not enough to correct a dead tooth. When this occurs, your dentist will likely recommend removing the tooth complete ly.

Usually, your dentist will numb the area around the tooth and pull the tooth using dental tools. You can then replace the tooth with a bridge, implant, or denture. Before choosing which of these options is right for you, ask your dentist the following questions:

Will dental insurance cover the procedure? How much will it cost?
What will recovery look like? How long will it last?
Will it eventually need to be replaced?
How will my oral hygiene routine need to change for the replacement tooth?

How to Prevent a Dead Tooth

The best treatment option for a dead tooth is never getting one in the first place. Luckily, there are a few ways you can prevent one from happening. These include:

Practice good oral hygiene
Visit your dentist every six months
Always wear a mouth guard during contact sports
Avoid sugary foods and maintain a good diet
Drink plenty of water, especially after eating

Keeping bacteria away from your teeth is the best way to keep them healthy, strong, and alive. You should always visit your dentist as soon as possible if you notice any pain or discoloration of the teeth. Prompt treatment is the key to preventing any long-term damage that could come from a dead tooth.

Healthy Mouth, Healthy Life

Your oral health is pivotal in protecting your overall health. When a dead tooth appears, there's nothing more important than prompt treatment. By protecting your teeth, you protect the rest of your life.

Contact our office to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Honesdale, PA today. Whether you're looking for treatment or preventative care, our team of experts is ready to help.

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