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
What causes a tooth to die
The two most common causes are trauma (a knock to the tooth, sometimes years earlier) and deep decay or a large 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.
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.
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
- For a discoloured but treated tooth, options to improve the appearance (such as internal whitening, a veneer or a crown) can be considered afterwards
Cost and health funds
We have HICAPS on-site so you can claim your rebate on the spot with all major Australian health funds, and we are preferred providers for HCF, CBHS, nib, HIF and Smile.com.au. We will give you an estimate before treatment. See our health funds page for details.
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.
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, your bite and your budget — there is no single right answer, and there is no obligation to proceed on the day.
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
If a tooth is changing colour or has had a knock, it is worth getting it checked while the problem is still small.