Toothaches are a royal drag. They hit hard without warning from out of nowhere and can leave you in miserable pain. While the first thing to do when you have a severe toothache is to call your emergency dentist, some people might be surprised when their toothaches seemingly disappear on their own. Here’s why your toothache might have disappeared and why it might still be a dental emergency requiring a root canal.
What Causes a Toothache?
Toothaches can be caused by many factors like food stuck in the gums or oral injuries. However, if you have a severe, throbbing, debilitating toothache, it probably means that you have untreated tooth decay. Tooth decay begins as a cavity and will not get better without professional intervention. If a cavity is allowed to progress, it will eventually eat its way through the enamel and dentin layers of a tooth and infect the pulp within. Once the pulp becomes infected, the nerve ending inside the tooth will send a distress signal to the brain, causing the patient to feel pain.
Why Would a Toothache Suddenly Disappear?
While your severe toothache suddenly disappearing might seem like a welcome relief, it could actually be terrible news. If a toothache suddenly ends, it may be because the infection killed the nerve inside the tooth, causing the pain signals it was sending to cease. Even though the pain is gone, the infection will continue and can lead to tooth loss or dangerous secondary infections like sepsis or pneumonia.
How Do Root Canals Work?
Root canal procedures are rendered completely painless through local anesthetics. Your dentist will examine your mouth and remove any decayed tissue from the afflicted tooth. They will then sanitize the interior of the tooth and place a crown on top of it to restore its function and protect it from further injury and infection.
Don’t let your toothache disappearing fool you into a false sense of security. Seeing your emergency dentist in such a situation can save you much pain and tooth loss.
About the Practice
NeoSmile Dental Care provides patients with the best dental care available in Spring House, PA. Led by Dr. Krunal Patel, the experienced staff ensures that each patient receives stellar oral health treatments and excellent customer service. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry such as root canal treatments. If your severe toothache has suddenly disappeared, dial (215) 643-5220 or contact the office online.
