Signs You Have A Dying Or Dead Tooth

If you have noticed that you have a tooth that has started to hurt, you may have noticed that it is starting to hurt worse as time goes on, especially when you try to eat. If so, look for the following signs that you have a dying or dead tooth.

Pain Can Become Worse

Pain is often the first symptom that alerts you to a potential problem with your tooth. However, as the tooth dies, the pain can become worse in intensity and more constant in frequency. Before the tooth dies, the nerves will become extremely sensitive to heat, cold, and pressure, causing you discomfort, especially when you bite down.

However, as the tooth becomes necrotic, infection can set in, increasing the pressure inside of the tooth. Even if the pulp's nerve has already died, the membrane around the tooth is still alive and can sense the buildup of pus within it. As the amount of necrotic tissue increases and the infection spreads, the pain can become severe and present most of the time.

Tooth Has Changed Color

Besides the pain, another sign that your tooth is either dying or already dead can be changes in the tooth color. Because the blood vessels are no longer fully feeding the inner pulp of the tooth, the red blood cells inside will start to starve and die.

As a result, the tooth will start changing color. At first, you may notice that it has a yellowish or grey hue. However, as the tooth dies, the cells can become necrotic, giving the tooth a black tinge. If your tooth has already turned black, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible, as your risk for developing an infection is much greater at this point.

Odd Taste in Your Mouth

Along with pain and tooth discoloration, you may start noticing an odd taste in your mouth. Everything you eat will take on a strange flavor.

This change in taste is a sign that your dead tooth has become infected and is attempting to drain the pus out of it. The pus drains into your mouth, giving your saliva and your food an often metallic flavor. If you notice this symptom along with the others, you need to see your dentist right away before the infection worsens.

If you start experiencing any of the above signs and symptoms, you may have a dying or dead tooth that either needs to be saved with a root canal or extracted. Make an appointment with your dentist so they can examine your tooth and discuss their recommended course of treatment. For more information, contact your dentist or visit sites like https://www.belgradedental.com/.