Is a Black Tooth a Dental Emergency? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Do you have a black tooth? Never take it lightly.

A black colored tooth is a clear sign that something is wrong. A minor discoloration can stem from mild decay or staining. However, if it is deep and persists for a long time, along with some other symptoms, there can be serious reasons for this. 

Do you know when a black tooth becomes a dental emergency? 

In this blog, you will learn about the signs when a black tooth can be considered an emergency. Ignoring these signs means severe pain and chances of infection.  

Severe Tooth Pain

A black tooth without any pain might not be an urgent issue. But if you experience sharp and continuous pain, it can be a warning of something more serious. 

The reasons behind this pain can be many, such as nerve damage due to severe decay, cracks or fractures in the tooth that expose the sensitive inner layers, etc.  

Why is it an Emergency?

• If your pain worsens when you try chewing or drinking some hot or cold beverage, it suggests deep decay or infection.
• If the pain spreads to other areas, such as the jaw or the surrounding teeth, it might be an indication of infection spreading.

Swelling in the Gums or Face

If you see the area around your black tooth is swollen, go visit an emergency dentist. Inflamed gums, swelling that extends to our cheek or neck, and redness around the specific tooth – these are never good signs. 

Why is it an Emergency?

•  Gum swelling can mean an abscess that contains pus due to bacterial infection.
• If the swelling spreads to other areas, it may block airways, which will cause difficulty in breathing.
• In the worst-case scenario, the infection can enter your bloodstream and spread to the whole body. 

Bad Taste and Foul Odor from the Tooth

A black tooth accompanied by a bad taste or bad breath is not a sign that you should ignore. 

Why is it an Emergency?

• A bad taste that lingers in your mouth can suggest severe decay in the tissue of your tooth.
• If you do not treat this condition immediately, you might require extensive dental procedures like a root canal in the near future. 

Loose or Wobbly Tooth

If your blackened tooth starts to feel loose or wobbly, it is a sign that the supporting structures are weakening. There can be multiple reasons behind a loose tooth, such as severe decay, gum disease, etc.

Why is it an Emergency?

• A loose tooth means the infection or damage has likely reached an advanced stage.
• If left untreated, the tooth may fall out or need extraction, affecting your oral health.
• The underlying infection can spread to nearby teeth, worsening the problem.

Fever with Black Tooth

Fever is the primary symptom of any infection. A black tooth paired with a fever or flu-like symptoms is a major warning sign of an infection spreading beyond the mouth.

Why is it an Emergency?

• A fever signals that your body is fighting off an infection, which could be spreading.
• If an abscess bursts, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream, causing serious health risks.
• Ignoring these symptoms can lead to systemic infection, requiring hospitalization.

Uncontrolled Bleeding or Gum Irritation

If the gums around your black tooth bleed frequently or excessively, it may indicate a severe dental issue.

Why is it an Emergency?

• Uncontrolled bleeding indicates serious gum damage.
• The infection could weaken nearby teeth and gums, leading to further complications in your body.

A black tooth is not always an emergency, but these signs mentioned above are definitely worth worrying about. So, if you ever notice any of these, consult with an emergency dentist as soon as possible. Remember, taking swift action can make all the difference in oral health.