A nagging toothache can be a real pain, but what happens when it suddenly goes away on its own? You might feel relieved and think the problem has gone with it. However, tooth pain that does a vanishing act isn’t always a sign that everything’s fine. In fact, it could be a clue that something more serious is happening beneath the surface! But what could that be? Read on to see why you shouldn’t ignore a disappearing toothache.
Why Did My Toothache Go Away?
When a toothache suddenly stops, it’s easy to assume the issue has been resolved. But there are a few reasons why the pain might have gone away, and none of them are particularly good:
- Temporary Relief: If you took some kind of pain reliever or home remedy, it could mask the pain without treating the underlying cause.
- Fluctuating Symptoms: Some dental issues, like abscesses, can cause pain that comes and goes as pressure builds and releases.So, just because you feel some temporary relief doesn’t necessarily mean it won’t return.
- Nerve Damage: The insides of your teeth are full of nerves that alert it to changes in temperature, pressure, and damage. If you don’t feel any sensations from a previously painful tooth, it may have died due to infection or decay. When the nerve dies, the pain stops, but the infection can continue to spread to other areas!
Why Shouldn’t I Ignore Disappearing Tooth Pain?
Ignoring a toothache that clears up suddenly can lead to bigger problems down the line if you don’t take steps to get treatment. For example:
- Spread of Infection: An untreated infection can move to your gums, jawbone, and even other parts of your body, leading to serious health issues. Studies have linked some systemic conditions like heart disease and Alzheimer’s to oral infection.
- More Pain Later: The problem may return with a vengeance, causing more severe pain and requiring more extensive treatment than if you’d treated the issue early.
- Tooth Loss: What might have been a simple cavity could progress to the point where the tooth can’t be saved. Once a certain amount of your tooth’s structure is compromised, it’s safer to have the tooth extracted.
What Should I Do Now?
If you’ve entered the calm before the storm, it’s best to contact your dentist and schedule an appointment. They can assess your tooth and recommend the best treatment to get you back on your feet, usually a root canal. So, while the best time to go to the dentist was yesterday, the next best time is today!
As you can see, a toothache that goes away isn’t necessarily gone for good. It’s important to listen to your body and ask for professional advice, even when the pain subsides. Taking action now can save you time, money, and discomfort in the future.
About the Practice
If you’ve got tooth pain in Tulsa, Dr. Stephanie Flinchum and Dr. Aeron Smith can see you quickly! They are highly skilled dental experts who offer same-day emergency appointments and comfortable amenities to all their patients. With advanced dental technology and practiced methods, they can help you find relief. Call (918) 949-4450 to schedule an emergency appointment at My Dentist or visit our website to see a full menu of other treatments we offer.