How Long Can a Dead Tooth Stay in Your Mouth?

When a tooth loses its internal blood supply, the nerve inside slowly dies, resulting in a dead or non-vital tooth. Unlike healthy teeth that feel sensations like hot and cold, a dead tooth typically loses all feeling.

In this article, we’ll further discuss what a dead tooth is, how it happens, and how long a dead tooth can stay in your mouth.

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How Long Can a Dead Tooth Stay in Your Mouth?

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How Long Can a Dead Tooth Stay in Your Mouth?

How long a dead tooth can stay in your mouth without treatment depends on the level of damage. Generally, a dead tooth can remain in your mouth for days, weeks, or even years before it causes severe complications.

If the tooth experiences enough bone loss, it may become loose and fall out on its own. However, delaying treatment can increase the risk of major oral health problems, such as tooth pain, discomfort, and infection. 

A dead tooth can’t heal on its own, and it can quickly become serious or life-threatening. If you have a dead tooth, consider seeing a dentist immediately.

What Happens If a Dead Tooth Stays in Your Mouth?

A dead tooth can lead to various problems with your oral and overall health. These include short- and long-term risks.

Short-Term Risks (Weeks to Months)

After a few weeks or months with a dead tooth, you may start to experience:

• Painful abscesses (infections causing swelling and intense pain)
  
• Gum inflammation and discomfort
  
• Sensitivity in neighboring teeth

Additionally, a discolored or black tooth may make you self-conscious, negatively affecting your quality of life.

Long-Term Risks (Years)

The main long-term risk of a dead tooth is developing a tooth abscess. This can lead to a life-threatening blood infection called sepsis.

Other risks include:

• An infection spreading to your other teeth, the jaw, and the sinuses
• Bone loss around the tooth
• Dental cysts
• Conditions like cellulitis or meningitis

Over time, you may struggle to chew and speak due to the pain.

Signs Your Tooth Might Be Dead

The most common sign of a dead tooth is discoloration. Once a tooth becomes non-vital, it can appear gray, yellow, or dark brown.

You may also notice small bumps or pimples near the tooth root, which can become an abscess. Additionally, you may notice a persistent bad breath or foul taste from the infection.

It’s important to understand the symptoms of a dead tooth because a tooth can die without immediate symptoms. Fortunately, regular dental visits can help you spot signs early.

What Causes a Dead Tooth?

The most common causes of a dead tooth are physical trauma or bacterial infection. Trauma or injury can damage the blood vessels inside the tooth, resulting in death.

Meanwhile, a bacterial infection is typically caused by the following:

• Cavities — Bacteria infect the tooth, causing tooth decay. Untreated cavities can become deep enough for bacteria to reach the pulp, causing intense pain.
• Cracked fillings or tooth structure — Bacteria can enter the tooth through a small crack in an old filling or the tooth itself.
• Gum disease — If gum disease progresses to the tip of the root, a combined endodontic-periodontal infection can result.

Treatment Options for a Dead Tooth 

The treatment procedure most commonly used to treat a dead tooth is a root canal. This procedure is often recommended if the tooth and surrounding bone structure are still healthy, potentially saving the tooth.

The procedure typically involves making a hole in your tooth to remove the pulp. The dentist will then clean the inside of your tooth, seal the roots, and place a filling.

After the procedure, your dentist may fit the tooth with a dental crown. Another procedure used to treat a dead tooth is a tooth extraction.

An extraction is only recommended when the infection has spread too far. This procedure involves removing the entire tooth. The dentist may replace the tooth with a denture, implant, or bridge.

How Much Will Treatment Cost?

Aside from a dead tooth's short- and long-term risks, it can also lead to financial problems. The longer you wait to get treatment, the more expensive it gets.

Delaying treatment often doubles your cost and significantly increases discomfort and recovery time.

Can You Prevent a Dead Tooth?

You can avoid getting a dead tooth by keeping your teeth healthy. Here’s how:

• Regular dental check-ups — A dentist can spot the signs of a dead tooth and treat it before it worsens.
• Dental hygiene — Brushing your teeth twice a day will reduce the risk of developing cavities. Dental floss can also remove food between the teeth and near the gums. 
• A healthy diet —  Eating sugary foods will lead to a higher risk of tooth decay. Having a healthy diet can prevent various dental issues. 
• Regular exercise — Regular exercise is important to promote blood circulation, improving your overall oral health.
• Use a mouth guard — If you play contact sports, use a mouth guard to protect your teeth from trauma.ur dentist may be able to take care of it before the problem becomes worse.