Rotten Teeth: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

The teeth of an individual consist of an enamel (the outer layer or coating of the teeth) and an inner calcified dentin layer that supports the tooth and an inner pulp layer which is made up of cells and nerve tissue. Your teeth or tooth can decay over time due to excessive eating of sugary and acidic food along with the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth. The resulting bacteria, acid, food and saliva combine to form plaques, which clings to the teeth. The acids in plaques dissolve the surface of the teeth, creating holes in the teeth called cavities.

When the enamel is worn away, bacteria and plaque attack the softer dentin inside the tooth and then the pulp at the centre. If the condition of rotten teeth is more serious, it leads to an extremely painful infection in the pulp that can move under the tooth and into the ums.

Rotten teeth can be extremely painful as there can be a single or a combination of factors responsible for this. The number one cause of rotten teeth is poor oral hygiene which can lead to bacterial infection, poor immune health, dry mouth and high sugar intake. Bacterial infection can cause periodontal disease (gum disease) that destroys the bone and connective tissue that holds the teeth in place.

A rotten teeth can be cause of concern as it can turn into an infection that interferes with your daily life. Therefore, it is essential to get your rotten teeth treated before it turns worse. Your treatment will depend on the severity of the condition. The types of treatment available consist of dental fillings, root canal and teeth extraction.

If you have a tooth decay which is not that severe, then your dentist will do a dental filling. It is generally characterized by holes or cavities in the teeth that have not spread beyond the dentin. During the procedure, the dentist will numb the affected tooth will local anesthetics and use a drill to cut around the site of decay to remove any affected enamel and dentin. This is followed by application of acid to the tooth to etch the tooth surface and then add filling like amalgam or acrylic resin.

If you have rotten teeth with extensive decay, then your dentist will do a root canal to treat the issues. The dentist will use an anesthetic to numb the area and use a drill to open the tooth and expose the infected pulp. This is followed by removal of any infected pulp which is again followed by the use of file to remove any remaining cells and nerve tissue in the roots of the tooth. The dentist will then fill the tooth with filling material. After the root canal procedure, you may require a crown or cap to be placed on the tooth to support and strengthen the structure of the tooth. However, if both the above procedure fails to treat the condition and the infected root forms an abscess (a pocket of pus at the root which can damage the jawbone), then your dentist will go for a tooth extraction. During the procedure, the dentist will numb the area and drain it of pus and bacteria, if needed. The dentist will extract the teeth and then pack the extraction site with gauze. He will replace the rotted teeth with a false tooth called an implant or denture.

Rotten teeth is most often preceded by tooth decay that can be mild or moderate in the beginning. Therefore, the symptoms of rotten teeth and tooth decay are often similar and can range from back tooth, bad breath, change in size of tooth, tooth falling out, sensitivity and swollen gums. Sensitivity is characterized by pain when biting down food or eating sweet, hot or cold foods. Swollen gums can result in formation of pus that can interfere with your nutritional intake leading to teeth break or fall out. Therefore, you experience any of the above mentioned symptoms, then visit a dentist immediately.

Any person not suffering from tooth decay or rotten tooth symptoms like briitle teeth, cavities and infection is not eligible for the treatment of rotten teeth.

There are no known side effects for the treatment of rotten tooth. However, severe rotten tooth can lead to complications like infection or formation of an abscess. A tooth infection can turn into a life-threatening condition called sepsis. Sepsis is the body’s reaction to infection and it causes fatigue and chronic pain, sometimes leading to amputations, organ failure and death. The infection can also spread upwards and lead to a sinus infection or it can spread to the heart and lead to a condition called bacterial endocarditis. You can also contract Ludwig’s angina which is an infection of the face and jaw that severely restrict the airways.

A post-treatment care for rotten tooth will include following an excellent oral hygiene that will start with brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste. You also rinse your mouth with a mouthwash to prevent bacteria and plaque from forming. Try and avoid sugary items like candy’s, carbonated drinks, pretzels and acidic foods. You should also make it point to schedule a visit to a dentist for a thorough check up of your teeth and mouth.

Recovery usually takes one to two weeks and can vary depending on the type of treatment and severity of your condition.

The treatment price for rotten tooth treatment is pretty affordable in India and again depends on the type of treatment you are undergoing. It usually range between Rs.500 to Rs.10,000

Yes, the results of the treatment are permanent.

Alternative treatments for rotten tooth will only work in the initial or beginning stage of the condition and is ineffective on advanced root infection and decay. Some of the alternative methods you can try include using a gentler toothbrush, practising a good oral hygeine and using clove oil to stop pain and prevent further infection.