A dead tooth is a tooth whose pulp (nerve) has lost its blood supply. A dead tooth does not always hurt, but bacteria can infect the empty space inside. Root canal treatment can often save a dead tooth, even one that has been dead for some time.
The pulp is the soft tissue in the centre of a tooth, containing nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp dies, the tooth is described as non-vital. Without a blood supply, the inside of the tooth cannot fight infection, so bacteria can spread down the root canals and into the bone around the root.
Read more in my guide to pulpitis.
A dead tooth no longer reacts to hot or cold, because the pulp has died. Pain usually comes from infection around the root tip, which can make the tooth tender to bite on or lead to an abscess.
Some dead teeth cause no symptoms at all and are found on an X-ray.
In many cases, yes. Root canal treatment removes the dead pulp and bacteria, then cleans, disinfects and seals the canals. The tooth then needs a well-sealed restoration from your dentist. A CBCT scan and examination under the microscope help to show whether a tooth can be kept.
A dead tooth can stay without symptoms for months or even years, but infection can develop at any time. Having the tooth assessed early gives the best chance of keeping the tooth.
Will a dead tooth fall out?
Not usually on its own. Without treatment, infection can damage the bone around the root and loosen the tooth over time.
Can a dead tooth be whitened?
A discoloured front tooth can often be lightened from the inside after root canal treatment, known as internal bleaching. Ordinary whitening does not usually work on a dead tooth.
Is root canal treatment on a dead tooth painful?
The tooth is fully numbed, so treatment feels much like having a filling. Read more about whether root canal treatment hurts.