Is it possible that a single tooth is black, dead and rotten, and still be conne!
Question: Floyd's example of the tree is a good one.
The tooth can be black and still be connected to the mouth. The tooth is much longer than the part that is visible in your mouth. It has roots that are deep into the alveolar bone and won't become loose until the bone begins to resorb. Also, each tooth has periodontal ligaments (which some people think of as the roots.. but they're actually ligaments) that connect the root of the tooth to the alveolar bone. These ligaments are very strong and won't become weakened unless you have active periodontal disease and gum recession. As the gum recession worsens, the gums move apically (toward the root) on the tooth and the periodontal ligaments die off...thus producing a loose tooth that will eventualy fall out.
Answers: Floyd's example of the tree is a good one.
The tooth can be black and still be connected to the mouth. The tooth is much longer than the part that is visible in your mouth. It has roots that are deep into the alveolar bone and won't become loose until the bone begins to resorb. Also, each tooth has periodontal ligaments (which some people think of as the roots.. but they're actually ligaments) that connect the root of the tooth to the alveolar bone. These ligaments are very strong and won't become weakened unless you have active periodontal disease and gum recession. As the gum recession worsens, the gums move apically (toward the root) on the tooth and the periodontal ligaments die off...thus producing a loose tooth that will eventualy fall out.
Yes. If the root is long enough it will continue to sit there.
I don't think that's possible because if the tooth is that bad of a condition then it will fall and probably lead to gum infection.
But eww, a black tooth, that's just gross.
Yes, the nerve can be rotten by now but that does not prevent the tooth from staying put in the jaw bone. The black is blood that has gone into the tooth and dried. I am sure it is not firmly attached.
OK..try this comparison...A tree dies, looses it's leaves and the bark turns dead white, is it still "connected to the ground?" Yep, by it's roots, and so it is with a tooth until so much bone dissolves away from it there is nothing left to hold it in.
Floyd gives a very nice example :)
A black tooth means that the nerve is dead, but the gum is still very healthy and holds the black tooth in place.
If it is a front tooth, you might consider having it crowned to look nicer. Ask your dentist what is best.
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Yes it certainly can be. But its a time bomb waiting to blow up. Or it could stay that way for a long time, it depends on the person.