Have you had a really bad toothache recently? Even when tooth pain occurs, many of us would rather take an ibuprofen and try to tough it out rather than call the dentist. In fact, sometimes if you put off getting dental treatment long enough, the toothache can go away on its own. What does it mean when this happens? Let’s talk about why a toothache in Skokie might suddenly disappear and why you should still seek dental treatment anyway.
Why Did Your Toothache Suddenly Go Away?
The most common reason behind toothaches is tooth decay, also known as cavities. When a cavity isn’t treated with a filling, it eventually works its way into the center of the tooth, called the pulp. This is where the nerves of the tooth are located, which is why it causes excruciating pain.
At first, you might feel relieved if your toothache subsides, but if it was caused by decay, your problem is far from over. In many cases, the pain goes away because the infection destroys the nerves inside your tooth, rendering them unable to send pain signals to your brain. Failing to get treatment could result in the infection spreading to surrounding teeth, your jawbone, or even your bloodstream. From there, it could wreak havoc on other areas of your body.
How to Save Your Tooth
To prevent an oral infection like this from developing in the first place, attend a dental checkup and cleaning at least twice a year. That way, your dentist can detect cavities before they cause serious damage.
If you already have a toothache, even one that faded away, call your emergency dentist in Skokie as soon as you can. They may be able to prevent the infection from spreading and save your tooth from having to be extracted.
How Your Dentist Can Treat the Problem
More often than not, your dentist can save your tooth with a treatment called root canal therapy. While many people cringe upon hearing the words “root canal,” there’s actually nothing to fear about the procedure. This is because your dentist will administer a potent local anesthetic to the area to numb you up and ensure your comfort throughout your appointment.
During a root canal, your dentist accesses the inside of the tooth and removes the infected pulp, including the nerve. The inside of the tooth is disinfected, and the pulp is replaced with a synthetic material. Your tooth is sealed back up and topped with a filling or dental crown to protect it from further damage.
When you develop a sudden toothache, it’s all too easy to avoid calling the dentist. However, pain is your body’s way of telling you that there’s a problem, so you should seek treatment right away. Even if your toothache goes away, promptly seeing a dentist could save your tooth!
About the Author
Dr. Brad Weiss has two full decades of experience in the dental field. As a Fellow of the prestigious American College of Dentists, he has proven his commitment to continuing education and clinical excellence. His practice, Weiss Dental Arts, does everything in their power to see you immediately if you call them with a dental emergency such as a toothache. If you had tooth pain that suddenly went away, visit Dr. Weiss’ website or call 847-864-0188.