Severely Decayed Root Stump With Advanced Infection Causing Persistent Oral Odor

Image: 
Severity: 

Zoom 100% Clinical Examination – What We See

Affected area:

  • Lower posterior region (missing crown with remaining root fragment)

Key findings from the image:

  • Severely broken-down tooth reduced to a root stump

  • Dark brown to black necrotic tooth structure

  • Accumulated plaque, calculus, and food debris

  • Surrounding gum tissue appears inflamed and irritated

  • Evidence of chronic bacterial infection

  • Open space allowing constant food impaction

Critical note:
The tooth crown is no longer present. Only decayed roots remain, acting as a permanent infection reservoir.


 Primary Diagnosis

 Non-Restorable Root Stump With Chronic Dental Infection

Associated conditions:

  • Chronic apical periodontitis

  • Necrotic pulp remnants

  • Severe halitosis (pathologic oral odor)

  • High risk of abscess formation


 Why the Mouth Smells Extremely Bad

Cause Explanation
Dead tooth roots Rotting organic tissue produces sulfur gases
Food trapping Open cavity traps debris continuously
Anaerobic bacteria Thrive in deep, oxygen-poor decay
Inflamed gums Contribute to foul-smelling discharge

 Mouthwash and brushing cannot fix this because the source is inside the bone and roots.


 Time Frame to Heal (After Proper Treatment)

 If Treated Immediately

  • Odor reduction: 24–48 hours

  • Pain & inflammation relief: 3–5 days

  • Complete gum healing: 7–14 days

  • Bone stabilization: 4–6 weeks

 If Left Untreated

  • Infection worsens within 7–14 days

  • Bone destruction around the root

  • Formation of dental abscess

  • Possible facial swelling

  • Spread of infection to jawbone


 Recommended Treatment Process

Step 1: Diagnostic Confirmation

  • Periapical X-ray

  • Bone level assessment

  • Infection depth evaluation

Step 2: Definitive Treatment

 Root canal is NOT possible

  • Tooth is already structurally destroyed

 Surgical Extraction (Required)

  • Removal of infected root stump

  • Curettage of infected tissue

  • Thorough irrigation and disinfection

Step 3: Tooth Replacement Options

  • Dental implant (after healing)

  • Fixed bridge

  • Partial denture


 What Will Scale Up If Ignored

  • Chronic jaw infection (osteomyelitis)

  • Persistent severe bad breath

  • Gum recession and bone loss

  • Adjacent teeth infection

  • Facial cellulitis

  • Increased treatment cost later


 Clinical Comments

This condition is advanced and irreversible. The tooth cannot be saved.
Delaying extraction allows bacteria to continuously poison the mouth and bone.
Immediate dental intervention is strongly advised.


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