Unresponsive shutter button problem

camera wouldn't take pictures but would do video. everything worked except Shutter button. I pulled the button off to see if it was damaged and found a pile of white grease. Shutter button came off and won't go back on. I used a small tool to try to simulate the button and take a picture but had no success. Did the grease work it's way down to the circuit? I don't know what to do next. Any help would be appreciated.