Necrotic Pulp

Necrotic pulp is dental pulp tissue inside a tooth that has died, most commonly due to severe decay, trauma, or loss of blood supply. A necrotic pulp cannot heal and may result in symptoms such as persistent pain, swelling, a bad taste in the mouth, or tooth discolouration, though some teeth with pulp necrosis can be symptom-free.

Diagnosis typically involves clinical tests (for example, sensitivity and percussion) and dental radiographs to look for changes around the root tip; a lack of response to pulp testing suggests necrosis. Treatment usually involves root canal treatment to remove the necrotic tissue and seal the canals to prevent or resolve infection, or extraction if the tooth cannot be restored, because untreated necrotic pulp can lead to a periapical abscess and further spread of infection.