Yes, a dead tooth can still hurt. While the nerve inside the tooth is dead, the surrounding tissues can still become inflamed and infected. This inflammation and infection can cause pain, even if the nerve is no longer alive.
Here's why a dead tooth can hurt:
- Infection: When a tooth dies, the pulp chamber, which houses the nerve, becomes vulnerable to bacteria. This can lead to an infection that causes pain and discomfort.
- Inflammation: The body's immune system can react to the infection by sending white blood cells to fight it. This can cause inflammation in the tissues around the tooth, resulting in pain.
- Pressure: The buildup of bacteria and pus inside the tooth can create pressure on the surrounding tissues, leading to pain.
- Sensitivity: Even though the nerve is dead, the tooth can still be sensitive to hot, cold, or pressure due to the inflammation and infection.
If you have a dead tooth, it's essential to seek dental treatment promptly. Left untreated, a dead tooth can lead to further complications, including tooth loss and infection spreading to other parts of the body.
