If you’ve been suffering from a toothache that has suddenly seemed to vanish, you might be feeling pretty relieved; however, you should hold off on celebrating, as you may not be out of the woods just yet! Instead, you should contact your dentist quickly, as this odd reversal of symptoms might be a sign of something worse. Here’s more about this situation and why you could end up needing a root canal if your tooth’s pulp has become damaged or infected.
Tooth Pain Vanishing Isn’t Always a Positive Sign
Tooth pain has numerous causes; cavities and unchecked decay are primary triggers, but aches and pain might also be the result of physical trauma or even food stuck between the teeth. Nonetheless, the pain disappearing does not always mean the problem has disappeared; in some cases, it means things have worsened.
If the interior of the tooth, known as the pulp, has become infected or inflamed, it’ll need to undergo root canal treatment—whether you’re in pain or not. Here are a few examples that warrant the need for root canal treatment, even if the tooth in question has stopped hurting:
· The tooth has a chronic infection that has led to the destruction of the nerve endings, meaning that you cannot feel pain in the tooth any longer.
· The tooth has broken so much that a crown cannot be placed without the help of a root canal.
· An old filling has recurrent decay that requires a crown for rehabilitation; a root canal is first performed to remove the filling and cavity.
Root Canals Are a Good Thing
If the infection has the chance to spread to the surrounding teeth and gums, your whole smile is in jeopardy and your teeth may even need to be extracted. Compared to the cost and trouble of replacing teeth, root canal therapy is the preferable option. Here are a few more reasons why root canals are praiseworthy:
· Your dentist will always ensure that your mouth is properly numbed during the procedure; in fact, most patients are surprised by how comfortable the overall process is! Sedation options might also be available for patients with dental-related anxiety.
· The procedure is straightforward and can be completed in a single appointment.
· A restoration such as a crown is placed following the procedure to ensure that the tooth is protected and looks natural.
If you suspect that you might need a root canal—especially if your toothache has suddenly vanished—don’t hesitate to contact your dentist promptly. The pain disappearing might seem like a good thing at first, but things can quickly change if you don’t receive the help you need!
About the Practice
Westgate Dental Care has served patients in Arlington Heights, IL for several years, offering a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options—including root canal therapy! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule an appointment to address your tooth pain, feel free to visit their website or give them a call for information or assistance. Telephone: (847) 577-7171.