07 Apr 2025
Have you noticed one of your teeth looks darker than the rest? It could be more than just staining, it might be a sign that the tooth is no longer alive.
Learn more about what makes your tooth change color and how to spot a nonvital tooth below.
Why Do Teeth Turn Grey?
A grey tooth can be a concerning sight, but what does it mean? Your tooth could be dead.
When a tooth dies, it stops receiving blood. Over time, the tissue inside the tooth decays, causing discolouration. At first, you may think it’s staining or normal discolouration, but this issue can’t be reversed by surface-level whitening. A tooth may die and turn grey following a trauma, like a sports injury, or untreated cavities that reach the pulp.
Other Symptoms of a Dead Tooth
In addition to the tooth turning gray, you may also notice the following signs that your tooth is dying:
- Pain (or the sudden lack of it): A painful tooth that suddenly stops hurting isn’t necessarily healed. It might be that the nerve has died.
- Swollen Gums or a Bad Odor: A dying tooth may leak infection into surrounding tissues, leading to inflamed gums or chronic bad breath
- Loose Tooth Feeling: A non-vital tooth may start to feel slightly loose due to bone loss or infection near the root.
Treatment Options for a Dead Tooth
Non-vital teeth often require a root canal to clean out the infection and preserve the tooth’s structure. In severe cases, extraction and tooth replacement may be necessary. But the sooner it’s treated, the more options you have for saving it.
Visit Us for Non-Vital Tooth Treatment in Fonthill & Welland
If you’re worried about a tooth, don’t wait until it’s dead to seek care! Turn to Fonthill Marketplace Dental for complete dental care, including root canal therapy in Fonthill and Welland. Our dental team aims to help you prevent a non-vital tooth, but we can also step in to resolve the issue.
Whether you need a root canal or guidance on your next steps, we’re here to help. Schedule your visit today.