There are several good reasons to regularly have dental check-ups. Having a hygienist remove the plaque and tartar that build up over time and can’t be removed with regular brushing is one major reason.
Equally as important is having a dentist or a dental hygienist examine your teeth for gum health, bite and jaw alignment, oral cancer and overall oral health.
Finding and fixing issues early can prevent tooth loss, reduce the need for additional dental treatments and minimize costs.
What’s going on with my teeth?
Dental pain and chipped or damaged teeth should be evaluated promptly by a dentist as these are the most obvious indications that a tooth may be bad or going bad.
Teeth are actually living organisms. The tooth structure is basically made up of three layers – the outside enamel, the dentin which is calcified tissue which forms the bulk of a tooth, and the pulp which is the core of the tooth containing the blood vessels and nerves. The pulp’s blood and nerve tissues keep the tooth alive.1
Should I see my dentist right away?
When a tooth becomes damaged the nerves in the pulp stop supplying blood to the tooth and the tooth begins the process of dying. Chipped teeth, damaged teeth and cavities can allow bacteria to infiltrate the pulp, causing infection.
These conditions should be treated immediately as bacteria from a dead tooth can spread and create additional tooth loss and gum and jawbone issues.2
Surefire Signs of a Problem
Tooth Color
Tooth color can indicate that you have a problem. Most people’s teeth are uniform in color, appearing either white, off-white or yellowish depending on age and lifestyle habits such as smoking, consumption of beverages which stain teeth and other factors.
A dying tooth will stand out from your other teeth in terms of color. It can appear either yellow, light brown, gray or even black.3 The tooth may appear almost bruised and that discoloration will spread as the tooth dies. A change in tooth color usually occurs because the red blood cells in the tooth are dying.
Tooth Pain
Pain is also an indication of a tooth issue. An infection in the pulp of the tooth or the dying nerve can cause pain. The pain is caused by pus, composed of bacteria and dead nerve remnants, that build up and put pressure on the periodontal membrane.4
A tooth infection can produce other symptoms including bad taste, bad smell, swelling and a pimple on the gums. It is possible for a tooth to die with no symptoms, such as pain. That is why regular dental check-ups are important
Comprehensive Family Dental Care in Commerce Township
Sedki Dentistry in Commerce Twp provides dependable care for patients of all ages, with a focus on treating concerns early to keep smiles healthy and bright.
Our Lakes area dental clinic offers general dentistry, modern cosmetic services, and gum rejuvenation treatment for gum recession. If you have questions or a dental concern, call to schedule a free dental consultation. We’re here to help you get the care your smile needs – without delay.
______________________________________________
1 What Are the Signs of Dead Teeth, 1/9/2023
Link: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-oral-care/what-are-the-signs-of-dead-teeth
2, 3 Identifying and Treating a Dead Tooth by Megan Lentz, 9/18/2018
Link: https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/dead-tooth#signs
4 Everything You Need to Know About a Dead Tooth by Tom Seymour, 7/12/2023
Link: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319062#symptoms