How long does a dead tooth stay in your mouth?

The time a dead tooth may fall out varies and sometimes a dead tooth can stay in your mouth for years before falling out naturally.

How do you fix a dead tooth?

Consult your dentist if you think you have a dead tooth and they can advise. Common treatments include root canal therapy to save the tooth, or extraction (removal) of the tooth.

How long until a dead tooth falls out?

Dead teeth usually fall out on their own, however, how long it takes can vary greatly from days to years.

Is it ok to leave a dead tooth?

Dentists typically recommend removing dead teeth because it can lead to infections and other dental issues. An untreated dead tooth can lead to a painful abscess and the infection can spread to your jawbone or other parts of your body.

Why is my tooth grey but doesn’t hurt?

Grey teeth may be a sign that the blood flow to the tooth has declined and tissues in the tooth may be deteriorating. The nerve inside the tooth may have already died, which is why you no longer feel pain, but the underlying issue and potential for infection still need to be addressed by a dentist.

How does a dentist test for a dead tooth?

Dentists may be able to tell you have a dead tooth by examining your mouth and taking X-rays.

What if you have a dead wisdom tooth?

Your dentist will advise on best recommendations to take care of a dead wisdom tooth. As wisdom teeth can often be difficult to clean, your dentist may recommend extraction, which would resolve the issue.

Dead Tooth: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

CAVITIES & TOOTH DECAY

Dead Tooth: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments

Last updated 06/25

This blog has been reviewed and approved by Dr Robert Lee, a dental professional of 35 years

Table Of Contents

Key Takeaways

A dead tooth results when the living tissue inside, known as the pulp, dies and no longer receives blood flow. 
The definition of a dead tooth is a tooth where the inner pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels, has died. 
Causes of a dead tooth often relate to deep tooth decay that reaches the pulp, tooth injuries, and trauma. 
Dead teeth often become discoloured, appearing different from your other healthy teeth. 
There are noticeable symptoms that indicate you may have a dead tooth or decaying tooth. 
If you have tooth pain, odour or notice yellow or greyish teeth, be sure to consult a dentist.

Dead Tooth: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments

You may be surprised to know that teeth can lose their health and begin to die. Various conditions and causes can cause a dead tooth, when the nerves of a tooth get damaged and no longer receive blood flow. If tooth decay goes unnoticed or if you don’t take care of your cavities, it can cause a condition called dead tooth. Teeth are so much more than the white molars you see in your mouth. Teeth also have pulp, and an infection from a dead tooth can potentially impact your overall health. If you have tooth pain or notice teeth becoming discoloured, check in with your dentist, as you may have a dead tooth!

Dead Tooth

The definition of a dead tooth is a tooth that has lost its vitality and the nerves in the pulp of the teeth die. If you notice symptoms of a dead tooth, try to catch it early and get into your dentist. There are some dental protocols that can help. However, the best way to avoid having a dead tooth is to take care of your oral hygiene health and brush and floss your teeth daily! Also, tend to any cavities quickly and don’t ignore any tooth pain or discomfort, as it’s often a symptom of an oral issue.

What is a dead tooth?

A dead tooth happens when there is no blood flow and the pulp that contains blood vessels and nerves dies. A dead tooth can also be known as a necrotic tooth. Your dentist is best able to diagnose a dead tooth and can tell you whether it is possible to treat or save the dead tooth.

Dead teeth, also called non-vital or necrotic teeth, are given this name because the living pulp tissue inside, which contains nerves, has died.
Similarly, the pulp of the tooth can die when it no longer has blood supply. This condition is known as dead pulp, or necrotic pulp.

Causes of a dead tooth

Tooth decay and improper oral hygiene care are the main causes for having a dead tooth. It’s common to have untreated cavities and then have dead teeth if not treated properly. However, injuries and trauma to your teeth can also result in having a dead tooth. Be sure to get into your dentist quickly if you have tooth pain or suspect there may be a problem!

Prevent a dead tooth from forming by:

Healing cavities early and catching warning signs of tooth decay.
Implementing proper oral hygiene routines, including brushing and flossing daily and be aware if sensitive spots in your teeth are present.

What does a dead tooth look like

Teeth that are discolored are typically dead teeth and they will look different from your normal pearly whites. The tooth color may change as the tooth decays and dies and with the longer it remains in your mouth. If you notice any signs of discolouration on your teeth be sure to go to your dentist.

Yellow, grey, or black teeth may be a sign of decaying or dead teeth

Dead tooth smell

When teeth begin to decay or if you have an infection, they can have a bad smell. If you notice a persistent bad smell from a specific tooth or have a bad taste in your mouth, get into your dental office, as this can be a sign of the infection associated with a dead or dying tooth.

Dead tooth symptoms and signs

You may be able to spot a dead tooth in your mouth by noticing the following signs and symptoms:

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Practices to Protect Against Dead Teeth

Keep your teeth clean and help reduce the risk of cavities. Plaque forms on teeth as a sticky film. Additionally, plaque contains substances that feed on sugar from food and drinks. As these substances metabolize sugar, they release acids that can erode tooth enamel. This can lead to cavities and other problems. But help is just a toothbrush away. Here are a few suggestions to help establish a regular, effective routine.

Brush 2X/day with an Oral-B iO Electric Toothbrush: To help reduce plaque buildup and protect your teeth and gums, a thorough yet gentle cleaning is key. An electric toothbrush like the Oral-B iO can help maintain the health of teeth and gums better than a manual toothbrush.
Brush with Fresh Bristles Every 3 Months: Get back to a more complete clean by replacing your toothbrush head every 3 months. A brush head in optimal bristle condition, such as the Oral-B Ultimate Clean brush head, helps remove plaque and has different bristle lengths that reach deep into the spaces between your teeth, where plaque loves to hide.

If left untreated, common cavities can progress to more serious concerns. That’s why Oral-B is committed to championing oral health for all, conducting research and creating scientifically proven products to help maintain the health of teeth and gums.

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FAQs

The time a dead tooth may fall out varies and sometimes a dead tooth can stay in your mouth for years before falling out naturally. 
Consult your dentist if you think you have a dead tooth and they can advise. Common treatments include root canal therapy to save the tooth, or extraction (removal) of the tooth. 
Dead teeth usually fall out on their own, however, how long it takes can vary greatly from days to years. 
Dentists typically recommend removing dead teeth because it can lead to infections and other dental issues. An untreated dead tooth can lead to a painful abscess and the infection can spread to your jawbone or other parts of your body. 
Grey teeth may be a sign that the blood flow to the tooth has declined and tissues in the tooth may be deteriorating. The nerve inside the tooth may have already died, which is why you no longer feel pain, but the underlying issue and potential for infection still need to be addressed by a dentist. 
Dentists may be able to tell you have a dead tooth by examining your mouth and taking X-rays. 
Your dentist will advise on best recommendations to take care of a dead wisdom tooth. As wisdom teeth can often be difficult to clean, your dentist may recommend extraction, which would resolve the issue.

Sources

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319062#what-is-a-dead-tooth
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/dead-tooth#signs
Adam, R., et al. (2020). Evaluation of an oscillating-rotating toothbrush with micro-vibrations versus a sonic toothbrush for the reduction of plaque and gingivitis: results from a randomized controlled trial. International Dental Journal, 70 Suppl 1(Suppl 1), S16–S21. https://doi.org/10.1111/idj.12569
Biesbrock, A., et al. (2006). Assessment of treatment responses to dental flossing in twins. Journal of periodontology, 77(8), 1386–1391. https://doi.org/10.1902/jop.2006.050399
Chen, C. K., et al. (2017). Association between chronic periodontitis and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease: A retrospective, population-based, matched-cohort study. Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy, 9, 56. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13195-017-0282-6
Grender, J., et al. (2020). An 8-week randomized controlled trial comparing the effect of a novel oscillating-rotating toothbrush versus a manual toothbrush on plaque and gingivitis. International Dental Journal, 70, S7–S15. https://doi.org/10.1111/idj.12571
Grossi, S. G., et al. (1998). Periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus: A two-way relationship. Annals of Periodontology, 3, 51-61. https://doi.org/10.1902/annals.1998.3.1.51

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