Should I Still See the Dentist Even if My Toothache is Gone?

We often receive calls asking to cancel appointment because their toothache has stopped bothering them. 

Toothaches can be minor to severe. If the pain keeps you up at night or leaves you unable to eat, chances are you’ll want your dentist to examine it immediately. 

A toothache can be a dental emergency if it’s causing major discomfort. But what if the pain suddenly subsides, should you keep or cancel your appointment?

Do you still need to see your dentist in Calgary, AB if your toothache goes away? We talk about this and more in this post.

Common causes of toothache

A toothache can be due to irritated gums, debris stuck in a cavity, decay, or damaged tooth. 

While some toothaches go away by boosting your oral hygiene routine, some don’t heal on their own and need proper dental treatments. 

The pulp inside the tooth contains nerves. These nerves can become sensitive and cause intense pain when exposed or infected. Receding gums can also contribute to heightened tooth sensitivity as the dentin and nerves become more prominent.

Why does a toothache subside?

Regardless of the cause of the toothache, it may suddenly go away at one point. 

You might be thinking about whether you should still see the dentist as you already feel fine. But even if the toothache has disappeared, you're still unsure of the reason it occurred and whether it requires treatments. 

Even if the pain is gone, the problem remains unsolved. So it’s best to have your tooth checked by your dentist. It's essential to pinpoint the problem to keep it from coming back.

Why keep your dental visit even if the toothache is gone

Skipping a dental exam may increase the risks of tooth damage or worse, tooth loss. 

A toothache can be due to tooth decay, which destroys the enamel. The enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth and is one of the hardest substances in the body. Still, it can wear or weaken over time. 

Acids in the mouth, brought by a sugary or starchy diet, can keep beating down the enamel. The pain can be mild at times or go away in an instant, but don’t take it as a resolution.

Otherwise, it may only come back, and stronger at that, as the damage to the tooth has already progressed.

Another reason the pain may have subsided is that the tooth nerves have already died. Still, despite that, the infection can continue to spread and attack the bone. 

Your dentist may recommend tooth extraction and replacement procedure. It’s crucial to eliminate the infection as it can impact other parts of the body, such as the brain. 

So while the temporary pain relief is welcome, still see your dentist. Any toothache is a potential sign of a problem. Your dentist can evaluate the affected tooth, determine the problem, and recommend treatment options.

What should I do if my toothache disappears?

Be proactive to prevent further damage to the tooth. 

Seeing your dentist will also help you avoid complex dental treatments. Take note of triggers and temporary solutions that work for your toothaches. 

Be sure to see your dental team at least twice a year for routine hygiene cleanings and examinations. Even if the pain went away, it’s better to be sure. Instead of enduring it when it occurs, address it once and for all. 

See your dentist in Calgary, AB for permanent toothache relief

If you’re experiencing toothaches frequently, have your dentist check your mouth. A prompt response can save the tooth, prevent further issues down the road, and reduce dental costs. 

If you’re in Calgary, AB, call our team today at (587) 317-7959 .