A tooth that appears grey, dark, or oddly discoloured—even if it doesn’t hurt—may be non-vital, also known as a dead tooth. At our Andheri West dental practice in Lokhandwala, we often see patients surprised to learn that a painless tooth can still be severely compromised.
What is a Non-Vital or Dead Tooth?
A non-vital tooth is one in which the pulp—the living tissue inside—has died, usually due to:
- Deep cavities or untreated decay
- Trauma from injury or accident
- Cracked or broken tooth structures
- Previous dental procedures without follow-up
While it may not always hurt, a dead tooth can harbour infection, cause swelling, emit a bad odour, or become a source of chronic inflammation.