Tooth pain can be debilitating when it occurs. Several reasons could be at fault from dental decay to an abscessed tooth to an infected gum. While you would clearly schedule a visit to your dentist if you’re in pain, what should you do if the toothache suddenly subsides?
Most people may think they’re out of the danger zone, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. A toothache that mysteriously disappears could indicate a severe problem and necessitates an emergency visit. Read along to find out why seeing your dentist is critical and what happens if you neglect to seek treatment.
Why You Need to See Your Dentist Even If a Toothache Went Away
A toothache may suddenly disappear as a result of dental decay. If left untreated, the decay can progress until it leads to the death of the nerve at the root. Once the nerve dies, your brain will no longer receive pain signals, but it doesn’t mean your problem has gone away. In fact, the infection may be stronger than ever. It continues to spread and destroy the bone that surrounds the root, which may make extraction necessary. Months or years later, the pain will come back with a vengeance and hurt much more than a regular old toothache.
How Can Your Dentist Solve the Problem?
A root canal may be the best treatment option for a severe infection in the tooth. Your dentist will create a hole in your tooth to access the infected portion, remove the decayed tissue, and replace it with a synthetic material. Then, they will seal the hole and restore the tooth with a filling or crown to protect it from further infection. Although the procedure has a bad reputation, most patients report experiencing little to no discomfort with the help of local anesthetic.
What Happens If You Don’t Seek Dental Treatment?
Failing to see your dentist puts you at risk of subsequent damage to your tooth and possibly its loss. Although you may no longer experience discomfort, the infection is still very much alive and can advance deeper into surrounding tissues, the jaw, and the bone. In a worst-case scenario, it could spread to other areas of the body, such as the brain, and become dangerous or even fatal.
It’s important to note that no amount of tooth pain is considered normal. Even if you’re experiencing a toothache that comes and goes or has disappeared entirely, you should schedule a visit to your emergency dentist right away.
About the Practice
Our team at Texas Dentistry goes above and beyond to ensure your family has a positive experience during every visit. Our caring and highly-trained team members are dedicated to providing gentle, comprehensive, top-tier services to help you achieve a healthy smile you can enjoy for years to come. If you’re experiencing a persistent toothache, or if it suddenly disappears, schedule an emergency visit with one of our dentists via our website or by calling (972) 329-4200.