There are many different oral diseases. However, most of them can be treated if they are taken care of fairly quickly by a dental health professional.
What about a problem with an infected or “dead” tooth? What happens for a tooth to reach this state? Can the condition be treated or is it permanent?
Find answers to all these questions in this article.
What causes a dead tooth?
A dead tooth is caused by pulp necrosis or tooth necrosis. Pulp necrosis results from a chronic or acute infection that can be caused either by severe decay that gets close to the dental pulp, pulpitis that reaches the root of the tooth or physical trauma to the pulp. The pulp is the nerve inside the tooth that ensures the nourishment of the tooth.
If these problems are not treated quickly and effectively, the pain they cause will not be felt in the long term. This can give the illusion of being healed, when in fact no healing is taking place at all.
Treatment options for a dead tooth
There is not a myriad of solutions to treat a dead tooth. Unfortunately, the damage caused to the infected tooth is irreversible. However, there are treatments that can be performed to prevent the spread of the infection.
Devitalization of the infected tooth by root canal treatment
The first treatment option is a root canal. This procedure consists of devitalizing the tooth, i.e. removing the infected dental pulp from the tooth. This prevents the infection from penetrating deeper into the tooth or infecting other nearby tissues.
However, a devitalized tooth becomes more fragile. Your dentist will probably recommend covering it with a crown to protect it from any potential damage.
More severe cases require tooth extraction
If pulp necrosis is not promptly treated, the infection can spread to the jawbone area. In addition, the structure of the tooth may be severely weakened, preventing it from being reconstructed. These are examples of situations where tooth extraction will be appropriate. Afterwards, a dental implant will be required to restore the appearance, comfort and functionality of the tooth.
You can trust Clinique MFML to treat your dental infection
A dead, i.e. infected, tooth is caused by pulp necrosis, an infection that irreversibly affects the pulp of the tooth. Since its consequences are irreversible, it can only be treated by root canal or, in more serious cases, tooth extraction and the placement of an implant. If you believe you are suffering from pulp necrosis, you should visit a dental health professional as soon as possible.
If your situation is more serious, rest assured that the oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Clinique MFML can provide you with a treatment that will help you regain your dental health. Contact us today to make an appointment with one of our experts!
