Disappearing Dilemma: What if a Toothache Fades?

Many dental concerns, like tooth decay and gum disease, start off small and then get progressively worse the longer they remain untreated. For instance, you might think that slight sensitivity in your tooth is no big deal until it becomes more persistent or severe throbbing.

Aches and inflammation are among the most common complaints of patients requesting same-day emergency visits. But if the sensation suddenly subsides, you might feel tempted to cancel your appointment. Continue reading to learn why this sometimes happens and why you should still be seen by your dentist!

What Causes Toothaches?

There are many potential causes of a toothache, and not all of them are urgent. For instance, you might feel tender if you’ve been aggressively over-scrubbing your teeth, which can often be resolved with a simple solution, such as switching to soft-bristle toothbrush or desensitizing toothpaste.

However, discomfort can also be the result of disease, decay, or infection. Your mouth is full of bacteria, and while some are healthy and aid with necessary functions, like digestion, others can be harmful to your dental health. If the latter flourish, they can penetrate your enamel or connective tissue, triggering a painful infection.

Do Toothaches Usually Resolve Themselves?

You might think that the discomfort in your tooth will eventually fade away if you just give it enough time, the way headaches and bruises usually do. Unfortunately, dental problems typically worsen rather than improve the longer they remain unaddressed.  

That’s why it’s best to contact your dentist as soon as you notice discomfort. You’ll need their professional experience and insight to identify the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan to improve your dental condition and provide much-needed relief.

Do I Need Treatment if My Toothache Disappeared?

Root canals are the standard procedure for alleviating toothaches, but you might feel like this treatment is unnecessary if the sensation dissipates. You might even assume that the issue has taken care of itself, despite all odds.

But the more likely explanation is that the infection in your tooth became so toxic that it killed the nerves inside the tender pulp. They can no longer send pain signals to your brain, but treatment is still necessary to address the disease and keep it from spreading to your jawbone, gums, or neighboring teeth.

It’s natural to question which treatments might be required, especially if your toothache suddenly subsides. If you’re unsure what’s causing your discomfort and how it’s usually handled, you can find out by scheduling an appointment with your dentist!

About the Practice       

Patients at Rahill Dental benefit from two dentists who are passionate about improving patients’ lives by enhancing their oral health. Dr. Hermen and Dr. Rahill collaborate to provide a complete menu of services, including same-day emergency visits and nitrous oxide sedation (laughing gas), so you don’t have to wait long for relief from your toothache. Their caring approach is paired with advanced technology to customize treatment plans to meet your unique needs under one roof. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (405) 621-2100.