If a dead tooth or rotten tooth is not removed it can lead to severe complications such as infection, tooth loss, abscesses and even health issues such as heart disease or sepsis.
When the dead or rotten tooth is left in it will continue to rot and decay and the cavities will eventually reach the tooth's nerve and pulp and cause intense pain and sensitivity and bacteria from the rotten tooth can cause infection and potentially form a pus filled pocket or abscess around the tooth root.
The rotten tooth can also lead to gum disease and gum inflammation and gum infection which can cause further tooth loss.
A dead tooth and rotten tooth can smell and even cause a bad taste in the mouth or other foul odor due to bacteria causing an infection and the breakdown of dead tissue which can also lead to an abscess.
Bad smells from a dead tooth are common and when a dead tooth smells it often smell like rotten meat.
When the nerve inside your tooth dies, it creates an environment in which bacteria can thrive and produce foul smelling gases.
When a tooth is black inside it is because of a condition called pulp necrosis which is the death of your tooth's internal tissues.
The pulp necrosis or death of your tooth's internal tissues can occur due to severe tooth decay, infection or trauma which can lead to the release of the dark pigments which stain your tooth black.
Having your tooth turn black inside is not normal and you should see a dentist.
The pulp that leads to pulp necrosis is located within your tooth and contains blood vessels and nerves.
And when the pulp in the teeth die and leads to necrosis it releases pigments which stain your dentin which is the layer below your tooth enamel and often colors the tooth a dark or blackish color.
Causes of pulp necrosis include severe tooth decay, trauma and infection...
Bacteria can enter the pulp through cracks or cavities in the teeth and cause an infection called pulpitis and can eventually lead to the pulp necrosis forming.
A blow or injury to your tooth or teeth can also damage the pulp and lead the pulps death and pulp necrosis and black teeth.
And if you have cavities which are left untreated, the cavities can also penetrate deep into your tooth and reach the pulp and cause infection and death of the pulp.
Other potential causes of pulp necrosis are tartar buildup, medications such as tetracycline antibiotics and old dental fillings.
If you have a black tooth you should see a dentist promptly for diagnoses and treatment and if the pulp is dead you may need a root canal to remove any dead tissue and prevent further damage.
And you may also need fillings, crowns or even a tooth extraction ins some cases.