It’s not uncommon to call your dentist’s office to ask for help when pain radiates throughout your mouth. You want something to ease the discomfort quickly, which is why seeing a dental expert is the smartest thing to do. But what if your toothache is no longer causing you any pain? What if it suddenly disappears, and you feel somewhat “normal” again? Should you still go to the dentist? Learn why it’s worth your time to seek out professional help even when the pain is no longer an issue.
What Can Cause a Toothache to Form?
Toothaches can form for a variety of reasons, but one of the most prominent is poor oral hygiene. When regular brushing and flossing do not occur, bacteria and plaque can begin to settle, resulting in harmful acids eating away at the enamel and causing cavities. Over time, these cavities can spread, resulting in painful toothaches that require professional attention.
Other reasons a toothache might form include:
- Damaged tooth (i.e., cracked or chipped)
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
- Gum disease
- Damaged crown or filling
- A serious infection (abscess)
What Additional Symptoms Can Occur as a Result of a Toothache?
Apart from pain, which is the most obvious symptom, others can arise that can lead you to seek necessary help for your dental problem. These include:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Bad breath
- Swelling of the gums
- Fever
- Headache
Is It Necessary to See a Dentist if Your Toothache Suddenly Goes Away?
If the pain you’re experiencing suddenly disappears, it’s imperative that you do not dismiss it. While it may no longer hurt, there is likely to still be an underlying issue that requires attention.
The most obvious reason that a toothache would magically disappear is a serious infection. When decay spreads deep within the tooth and reaches the pulp, intense pain usually follows because of the various nerves that exist within this particular area. However, if the nerves are destroyed due to a lack of treatment, the pain will no longer be an issue. But this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t seek help.
The pain can reignite if the infection continues onto the jawbone, which then causes additional damage before spreading to other parts of your body.
This type of situation is one you do not want to disregard, as it can have a devastating effect on your oral and overall health. Seeking help from a trusted dentist who can perform the necessary treatment(s) (i.e., dental crown, root canal treatment, or tooth extraction) is the only way to avoid more serious problems.
Most dentists maintain a general rule of thumb that states if you experience tooth pain, don’t wait to get help. The sooner you’re able to undergo treatment for the issue, the greater your chances of saving your tooth and avoiding more invasive and complex restorative care.
About the Author
Dr. Shane Smith is a trusted dentist in Jonesboro who received his dental doctorate at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Treating patients with the highest level of quality dental care available, he works to address problems in their earliest stages so that individuals can enjoy better oral health in the long term. If you are dealing with a toothache but no longer feel any pain, visit our website or call (870) 932-2644 to find out what we can do to help.