Toothaches are more common than you might realize, and many people suffer from the debilitating pain and discomfort that they sometimes cause. But have you ever had a toothache that just seemingly seemed to vanish for no apparent reason? Even though this might seem like a reason to celebrate, it likely isn’t—toothaches happen because something’s wrong in your mouth, so the pain suddenly disappearing is actually not a positive sign at all! Keep reading to learn more from your dentist about what causes toothaches and what you need to do if yours suddenly disappears.
What Causes Tooth Pain & What Makes It Suddenly Disappear?
Tooth pain can stem from a variety of reasons, but cavities are the most common culprits. When tooth decay has progressed and formed a cavity in the deeper layer of the tooth known as the pulp, the tooth’s sensitive nerve is exposed. This gives bacteria a direct route to the tooth’s center, resulting in excruciating pain! Fractures or cracks in your teeth can also leave your pulp vulnerable to bacteria. Sometimes these bacteria can spawn a nasty infection that will destroy the nerve in your tooth—and while this does cause the pain to subside, your tooth is in jeopardy. Under normal circumstances, a toothache won’t simply vanish—the pain is a symptom of the problem, not the actual problem!
What Should I Do After My Toothache Goes Away on Its Own?
If your toothache has subsided due to an infection destroying the nerves inside the pulp, you should see your emergency dentist immediately. Failure to seek treatment will likely result in your tooth becoming unsalvageable and needing extraction. Not only that, but the infection can also potentially spread to other areas in your mouth including your jawbone, gums, and bloodstream—meaning your whole body is at risk!
One of the go-to treatment options for these kinds of situations is root canal therapy, in which your dentist will remove the infected pulp before sanitizing and sealing back up your tooth. Other treatment options include antibiotics to treat infection, a crown to protect the tooth from further damage and decay, or even tooth extraction and replacement if the tooth is beyond saving.
With other parts of your body, pain subsiding is usually a good thing. But with toothaches, that is not the case at all! If you’ve been experiencing tooth pain that has suddenly disappeared, talk with your dentist about it promptly and get to the bottom of it.
About the Practice
Granger Dental Group proudly serves the Granger area under the leadership of Dr. Joseph E. Hickey and Dr. Kevin T. Campbell! With over 50 years of combined experience between the two of them, they provide an elite level of dental care for every patient they treat. Their practice is pleased to offer several available services, including emergency dentistry! If you or a loved one is suffering from a toothache, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment online or by phone: (574) 277-4235.