Oftentimes a dead tooth is caused by tooth decay or trauma. Teeth are very strong, but they do have their limits. If your tooth is no longer viable due to tooth decay or trauma it is important for your dental and overall health to remove it. You need to remove a dead tooth because the impact of leaving it in can be life-threatening if an infection spreads. Another harmful consequence of a dead tooth is that it can impact the rest of your teeth and mouth. Below you will find more information on if you should extract a dead tooth.

Causes of a Dead Tooth

Your teeth are made up of both hard and soft tissues, including your enamel, dentin, and the pulp. The enamel is the thin layer of protection that is right above the dentin. The enamel and dentin are the only things protecting the pulp of your tooth. While teeth are not always seen as living, they are alive and the nerves in your teeth can be damaged and cause major issues. If the nerves of your teeth are damaged, they can stop providing blood to your tooth, which causes it to die.

The most common cause of a dead tooth is tooth decay. Poor oral hygiene is a major contributor when it comes to a tooth dying from decay. Poor oral hygiene leads to cavities which can eventually result in your tooth dying. The second most common cause of a dead tooth is trauma. This is often trauma from athletic activities or even car accidents. No matter what the cause of your dead tooth, it is important to get treatment as soon as possible.

Should I Extract a Dead Tooth

If you have a dead tooth, it will definitely require extraction. Tooth extraction in Los Angeles is the most effective treatment to ensure that your dead tooth does not impact the rest of your mouth, or your overall health. If you are unsure if your tooth is dead, it’s important to contact a dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to identify whether or not your tooth is dead by taking an X-ray of your mouth and examining your tooth.

Once it’s determined that your tooth is dead it will require removal. This is because an infection can spread from your dead tooth to other teeth, and possibly to the rest of your body. Tooth extraction can help maintain the integrity of your other teeth and gums, and it can also keep you healthy overall due to the major risks associated with not removing it. Depending on what you and the dentist decide, they can replace your tooth with a variety of dental replacement options.

Prevention Tips

While accidents happen and you cannot control everything, it’s important to ensure your teeth are strong in the case of a traumatic injury to your teeth. Good oral hygiene can help prevent both causes of a dead tooth in the majority of cases. This means you need to brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride. In addition, you should floss at least once a day and use mouthwash when you cannot brush your teeth after you eat. Lastly, it is vital that you visit the dentist at least every six months to ensure your oral health is in good shape.

Endodontist in Los Angeles

If you are concerned that you may have a dead tooth, contact Dr. Maz at Maz Endodontics. Dr. Maz and his team are focused on putting the patient first. He and his team are available 24/7 for your dental care needs, including tooth extractions. Contact the best endodontist in Los Angeles today for an appointment!