Are you wondering if you have a rotted tooth in your mouth, and what should you do if you do? If you’ve been experiencing tooth pain, it may be caused by several possible issues. If you don’t treat it right away, it could get worse.
Developing an abscess or tooth infection can be a painful and expensive problem you want to avoid.
Keep reading to learn more about what a rotted tooth looks like and how to treat it if you find yourself in this situation.
Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Rot
A dentist is best equipped to diagnose and address a rotted tooth. Before your appointment with Logan Dental Care, you may want to familiarize yourself with some of the most common signs and symptoms of a rotted tooth, such as discoloration, toothache, and a foul-smelling odor coming from your mouth. Also, if you experience a burning sensation in your mouth that intensifies with hot and cold, this could be a sign of a dental infection.
Pain or Sensitivity
If you’re experiencing pain or sensitivity in a tooth, it may be a sign of a rotted or decayed tooth. You should visit your dentist as soon as possible to determine the cause of your discomfort. Early detection and treatment of a rotted tooth are essential to protect the root of the tooth and to prevent any further damage.
Discoloration
Discoloration can range from mild yellowing to more severe brown or gray discoloration. Fortunately, tooth discoloration is often treatable through professional teeth whitening, dental bonding, or veneers. However, in cases where the discoloration is caused by tooth decay or damage, more extensive dental procedures may be necessary to restore the tooth’s natural appearance.
Bad Taste or Odor
Bad taste or odor in the mouth can be a sign of several dental problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, or an infected tooth. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to more serious dental issues, such as abscesses, tooth loss, and bone loss.
Visible Damage
Seeing visible damage to a tooth, such as a hole or a crack, could be a sign that the tooth is rotting.
Exploring Treatment Options for Rotted Teeth
In the early stages of tooth decay, you can use a dental filling to remove the decay and restore the tooth. However, if the decay has reached the tooth’s pulp, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth. During a root canal, the dentist will remove the infected tissue, clean the root canals, and fill them with a particular material to prevent further decay.
Sometimes, a tooth may be too damaged or decayed to be saved, and an extraction may be necessary. If this is the case, the dentist will remove the tooth and provide you with options for replacing it, such as a dental implant or bridge.
If the rotten tooth has caused significant damage to the surrounding teeth and tissues, more extensive dental procedures may be necessary to restore oral health. For example, if the decay has spread to the jawbone, a bone graft may be required to support the dental implant.
Know More About Rotted Tooth
If you suspect that you may have a rotted tooth in your mouth, the best course of action is to visit your dentist. Your dentist can advise you if the tooth is decayed and the best possible treatment for the condition. Don’t ignore the pain. Get in touch with your dentist today.
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