What Happens If Your Toothache Disappears?

If you’ve ever tossed and turned all night from a toothache, you know how agonizing dental pain can be. Contrary to common belief, an occasional toothache isn’t normal. It’s a sign of an underlying dental issue that can turn into a big problem if you don’t see an emergency dentist. If you try to wait out the pain, you may lose your tooth. Here’s what happens if your toothache suddenly goes away.

What Causes Toothaches?

Toothaches can be caused by many factors, like decay, a fracture, exposed tooth roots, or a failing crown. However, they are often caused by an infection deep within the tooth. 

Bacteria can gain access to the pulp, which is the inner layer of your tooth. If the infection isn’t treated, your tooth will eventually die. If your toothache disappears, there’s a good chance your tooth can no longer be saved. Instead, it will need to be extracted and replaced with a prosthetic, which can be quite costly.

Treating Toothaches with Root Canal Therapy

It’s best to contact your emergency dentist for an appointment if you have a toothache. They will examine your mouth to find the source of your discomfort. Depending on the results of your examination, they’ll recommend a suitable treatment. 

If your tooth is infected or badly damaged, they’ll probably recommend a root canal. The endodontic procedure extracts the pulp to restore the tooth’s health. Once the inside of a tooth is cleaned, it’s sterilized and sealed with a special material called gutta-percha. Your dentist May place a dental crown over your tooth to give it an added layer of protection. A root canal will preserve your tooth, so you can avoid the hassle and expense of extraction.

Managing Your Toothache at Home

It can’t be difficult to focus on anything else but dental pain, especially at night. You can manage your toothache by eating soft foods and avoiding any that are hot or cold. Don’t eat too late to prevent triggering pain. 

Take an over-the-counter pain reliever and apply a cold compress to manage your discomfort. You can also rinse your mouth with salt water to reduce pain and inflammation. It’s also a good antiseptic to keep your mouth clean. When you’re ready to call it a night, sleep with your pillow elevated to prevent blood from pooling in your head. Lying flat can cause a throbbing sensation from blood rushing to your head.

Don’t wait until it’s too late to save your tooth. Your dentist will provide the quick care you need to stop your pain and save your beautiful smile.

About Dr. Corey Martinez

Dr. Martinez obtained his dental degree at the Indiana University School of Dentistry and has regularly pursued continuing education in advanced services, like endodontics and emergency dentistry. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and other professional organizations. If you need to have a toothache, request an appointment through our website or call (317) 659-9335.