Dead or Dying Tooth — Signs and Treatment
A "dead" tooth is one where the nerve and blood supply inside have stopped working — a non-vital tooth. It can happen quietly, or after an injury or deep decay. A common giveaway is a tooth that slowly turns grey, or a toothache that suddenly stops.
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Preferred provider for HCF, CBHS, nib and HIF
Signs your tooth may be dying
- A change in colour — the tooth turns grey, brown or darker than its neighbours
- Pain that came and went — sometimes a strong ache that then stops
- A bad taste, or a small pimple-like bump on the gum (a sign of infection)
- Tenderness or swelling around the tooth
- Sometimes no symptoms at all — found at a routine check-up
Is a dead tooth an emergency?
Not always — but a dead tooth can lead to infection or an abscess, which does need prompt care. If you have swelling, a gum boil or throbbing pain, please get in touch. See our dental abscess page.
What causes a tooth to die
The two most common causes are trauma and deep decay.
Trauma
A knock to the tooth, sometimes years earlier.
Deep decay or a large filling
Decay or a filling that reaches the nerve.
When the nerve is damaged beyond recovery, the tooth becomes non-vital and infection can develop at the root. Related problems include a cracked tooth or a broken tooth.
How long can a tooth stay “dead”?
A non-vital tooth can sit quietly for months or even years, particularly after an old knock. But once the nerve tissue inside breaks down, bacteria can reach the tip of the root, so an infection or abscess can develop with little warning. That is why we suggest having a discoloured or previously injured tooth assessed even when it is not sore — an X-ray shows whether the root and the surrounding bone are still healthy, and catching a problem early usually means simpler treatment.
How we treat a dead tooth
Root canal treatment
To remove the damaged tissue and save the tooth.
Extraction
Where the tooth cannot be saved, with replacement options discussed.
Improving the appearance
For a discoloured but treated tooth, options to improve the appearance (such as internal whitening, a veneer or a crown) can be considered afterwards.
Fixing a discoloured (grey) tooth
Once a tooth has been treated and any infection has settled, the greyish colour of a non-vital front tooth can often be improved. Depending on the tooth, options include internal (“walking”) whitening from the inside, a thin veneer, or a crown. Your dentist will talk through what suits that particular tooth and your bite — there is no single right answer.
Cost and health funds
We will give you an estimate before treatment.
We have HICAPS on-site so you can claim your rebate on the spot with most Australian health funds with dental extras, and we are preferred providers for HCF, CBHS, nib and HIF, and an approved provider for Smile.com.au. See our health funds page for details.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my tooth is dead?
Common signs are a tooth that is darkening, a toothache that stopped suddenly, or a gum bump. An X-ray confirms whether the nerve is still alive.
Can a dead tooth be saved?
Often yes — root canal treatment can keep a non-vital tooth in place. Where it cannot be saved, we will talk through replacement options.
Why is my tooth turning grey?
Grey discolouration usually means the nerve inside has died, often after trauma or deep decay. It is worth assessing even without pain.
Is a dead tooth dangerous if left untreated?
It can lead to infection and an abscess over time, so it is best assessed and treated rather than left.
Related conditions
Worried about a tooth?
If a tooth is changing colour or has had a knock, it is worth getting it checked while the problem is still small.