Vanishing Into Thin Air: Why Disappearing Toothaches are Suspicious  

You had a toothache for days. “Had,” past-tense, because it seems to have vanished into thin air. That means you’re in the clear, right? Whatever was causing the discomfort is no longer a problem?

Not necessarily. Aches and pains aren’t fun, but usually it’s your body’s way of telling you that something is seriously wrong. If it seems like a magician made it disappear, that doesn’t always mean the issue has left the building. Keep reading to find out why your toothache’s spontaneous vacation is actually good cause for suspicion.

Teeth Don’t Usually Heal on Their Own

Your oral biome isn’t quite like the rest of your biology. If you get a mild cold, for example, your system is able to fight it off on its own. Teeth, however, are incapable of repairing themselves, and oral infections are all but guaranteed to spread when left untreated. This is why conditions like tooth decay and gum disease must be taken care of promptly by a dental professional.

What No Dental Pain Might Really Mean

Unfortunately, dental pain that starts off as severe and fades suddenly usually indicates that whatever was causing the discomfort in the first place has gotten worse. Remember that if left unattended, tooth decay and cavities will spread. They can even penetrate your enamel and dentin layers, and take root deep inside your tooth, where your dental nerves are. When infection damages these nerves, pain signals get interrupted – and that might be why you suddenly stopped feeling your toothache.

Why Missing Toothaches Are Urgent

It’s crucial not to sit and wait if you have a disappearing toothache. Oral infections are serious problems, not only because they can significantly harm a singular tooth, but also because they can affect the rest of your mouth. A neighboring pearly white in your dental lineup could be the next victim, or the infection could dive even deeper to afflict your jawbone. In either case, you could very well end up losing teeth.

Key Takeaway: Visit Your Emergency Dentist

There’s still hope for your tooth! Your emergency dentist has ways of removing pesky infections that have snuck past your protective dental layers. A root canal, for example, will make quick work of the problem, and a quality restoration will help protect your tooth from further harm. The sooner you call your emergency dentist about your suspicious lack-of-toothache, the better off your oral health will be, so don’t hesitate to contact them!

About the Dentist

Dr. Henry Lu earned his dental degree from the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine and is a proud member of the American Dental Association. His goal is to help restore your oral health, not judge your dental habits. If you had a toothache that suddenly vanished into thin air, you can trust Dr. Henry to focus on your care and make sure your teeth are in tip-top shape. To contact his office or schedule a same-day emergency appointment, call 469-998-9822.