How long does it take for the tooth to die?
The duration of the dying of a tooth is different and varies depending on the cause. In the case of acute pulpitis caused by caries, which leads to inflammation of the tooth root, this can lead to the nerve tissue dying off in a few weeks or months. In case of trauma from childhood, there is a possibility that the nerve dies and causes discomfort even after decades.
Furthermore, the tooth can also devitalize completely without symptoms, so that the patient does not even notice it until the diagnosis is recognized by a random finding. Every person reacts differently to inflammatory processes and so the individual reaction and the current state of the immune system is decisive for the speed with which a tooth dies. It is certain, however, that a dead dental nerve cannot be revived. Even a root canal treatment can only ensure that the tooth can remain in the dental arch without complaints.
Follow a dead tooth
When a tooth dies, the dead tissue must be removed. This happens in the course of an inflammation, which can spread quickly without treatment. There is a risk of a cyst or abscess.
When a cyst or abscess forms, pus develops in the cavity under the tip of the root. The swelling causes the so-called “thick cheek” and as a complication the systemic disease sepsis. The bacteria enter the bloodstream and attack the patient’s organs, which is life-threatening.
In naturopathy, a connection between the “cadaveric poison” emitted by a dead tooth and diseases of the organism is suspected, including back pain. However, there is no scientific evidence at all, and the mechanism by which the decay products of the tooth affect the back is not known. From a medical point of view there is no connection.
Like other pain or diseases, depression is also considered a possible consequence of a dead tooth that emits toxins. There are no scientific studies or evidence in this case either. The only thing that is known is that long periods of pain can trigger mental illness such as depression. Even a toothache, for example of a dead tooth, can trigger untreated and long lasting complaints. However, there is no medical link between the “cadaveric poison” and depression.
