Did you know that your teeth are actually alive? The Pulp, which is located in the middle of your tooth, contains blood vessels and nerves. This is why you feel pain when your teeth are injured or have deep decay. Since we know that your teeth are alive, this means they can die. What would cause a tooth to die? There are a few reasons why this can occur:
- Trauma – Sports injuries, falling and physical contact with your teeth are all ways that your teeth can be traumatized. Any time that the tooth is injured to the point that it cannot repair itself, the tooth will die. If blood flow within the tooth stops, the nerve and other tissues can no longer survive, leaving you with a dead tooth.
- Decay – There are three layers to a tooth. The outer layer, above the gum line, is called Enamel. The outer layer, below the gum line, is called Cementum. Both of these layers are calcified, very hard and help to protect your teeth from decay causing bacteria. Dentin is the second layer, followed by the pulp, which gives life to your tooth. When bacteria decays thru the two outer layers of a tooth and reach the pulp, this can cause a range of symptoms:
- Sensitivity to heat or cold
- Pain while biting down
- Pain while chewing
- Facial swelling
- Gum boil
If you notice any of these symptoms, it would be a good idea to have your tooth checked out. In many cases it is still important for regular dental exams because this process can occur without any symptoms. Getting early treatment for a dead, or possibly dead tooth is extremely vital. If tooth decay is left untreated it can lead to more than just a dead tooth.
