If you have a severe toothache, it can put you in a bad mood and distract you from everyday tasks. If the pain suddenly disappears on its own, then, you may be grateful and simply carry on with your life. But that is not necessarily a good idea. In fact, you may still need a root canal even if your toothache goes away on its own. Why might that be the case? This blog post explains.
An Infection Can Kill the Tooth’s Nerve
Often, a severe toothache is the result of an infection in a tooth’s innermost layer, known as the pulp. The pulp contains the tooth’s nerve, which is responsible for sending pain signals to the brain when something is wrong.
If a bad toothache suddenly disappears, it may be because the infection has killed the nerve. However, the infection may still be there, continuing to cause damage. Eventually, the toothache is likely to come back full-force. An untreated infection could even result in life-threatening systemic illness.
A root canal can help to keep you healthy and preserve your smile’s well-being. It involves removing the infected tissue and the nerve from within a tooth. It can prevent sickness and spare you from the inconveniences of having to get the infected tooth extracted altogether.
Other Reasons Why a Toothache Might Disappear
Of course, there are a few other reasons why a toothache might suddenly disappear, and not all of them point to an urgent oral health situation. For example, a sinus infection can place pressure on the roots of your teeth and cause them to hurt. Once the infection clears up, your teeth should feel normal again — even without professional dental treatment.
Other problems near a tooth, such as gum issues or food stuck between the teeth, can also cause toothache-like symptoms.
What You Should Do
If you have a toothache, you should not wait to see if it disappears. Rather, it would be wise to seek care as soon as possible. The longer you delay, the more likely it is that you will require extensive treatment.
During your appointment, your dentist will thoroughly evaluate the situation and provide a recommendation on how to move forward. If they determine that root canal therapy would be the best option, you can commit to the treatment with confidence that it is the best way to find long-term relief from your oral pain.
Meet the Practice
At Family Dental Practice of Bloomfield, we proudly offer root canal therapy, tooth extractions, and other emergency services in a welcoming environment. If you have a toothache (or you are concerned because your toothache has suddenly vanished), we are ready to provide necessary assistance. Contact our office at 860-263-0441.