The dental infections that cause toothaches will not go away without the intervention of a qualified dentist, but some patients may find that their throbbing pain seems to disappear on its own after a few days. While it might be tempting to breathe a sigh of relief, this may be due to the infection advancing further. Here’s why your toothache may have disappeared and why you should see your dentist for treatment.
What Causes Toothache?
Toothaches can be caused by many things such as grinding, which can typically be addressed by wearing a nightguard to bed, or something stuck between the teeth, which can usually be resolved with flossing. However, severe toothaches are usually caused by advanced dental infections that have breached the tooth’s outer layers of enamel and dentin and reached the soft pulp tissue within. When the pulp is infected, the nerve inside sends pain signals to the brain, resulting in a toothache.
Why Might My Toothache Have Disappeared?
A toothache may disappear due to a foreign object being removed from the gums or teeth or if a person who grinds starts wearing a nightguard. However, if a toothache caused by a dental infection disappears on its own, it is probably because the bacteria killed the nerve in the pulp, thereby cutting off the pain signals being sent to the brain. This means that the infection is quite advanced and requires immediate attention to be resolved. If the tooth decay is not treated, the tooth will be lost and the infection may spread to neighboring teeth or possibly other parts of the body.
How Will My Dentist Address a Toothache?
Your dentist may recommend a treatment such as a root canal to eliminate the infection at its source and prevent the tooth from being lost. If your toothache is caused by gum disease, they may recommend periodontal therapy. However, if your tooth is too decayed to be saved, your dentist may recommend extracting it and replacing it with a restorative appliance such as a denture, bridge, or dental implant.
Your toothache disappearing does not mean that the problem causing it has been resolved. Seeing your dentist can eliminate a destructive infection and save your tooth from extraction.
About the Practice
Sandy Lake Dental & Orthodontics offers exemplary oral health services to families in Coppell, TX. Led by Drs. Brandon Horton, Chris Gibson, Cecile Nguyen, Monica Bazan, and J. Theodorou, the staff ensures that each patient enjoys genuine compassion and stellar customer service in a friendly and welcoming office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as orthodontics. If your throbbing toothache has suddenly disappeared, dial (972) 393-7348. For non-emergency inquiries, contact the office online.