Did Your Toothache Go Away? Here’s Why You Still Need an Exam

From dull, persistent discomfort to sharp, stabbing pain, toothaches can make it difficult to chew, sleep, and concentrate. So, it’s only natural to think that the pain subsiding is good news, that you’re healed. The reality is that it’s more important than ever that you visit your emergency dentist for an exam. To learn more about why you need to schedule an appointment even if your toothache goes away, keep reading.

Why a Toothache Disappearing Isn’t Good News

Patients often think that if the pain went away, the problem went away. That’s not the case! Most of the time, this is due to the infection “killing” the nerve of the tooth, rendering it unable to register anything. While you might not feel any discomfort anymore, the root of the problem still exists. In fact, it’s only a matter of time until it spreads to your surrounding teeth and gums and, eventually, even farther.

The Importance of Scheduling an Appointment

When it comes to dental problems, including cavities, it’s of the utmost importance that you schedule an appointment with your dentist sooner rather than later. That’s because the more time that passes, the more time the root of the problem has to progress. As a result, getting the restorative dental care you need now helps you save money and allows for the most conservative approach to be taken.

How to Care for Your Toothache At Home

If you have a few hours or days until your appointment, there are a few things you can do to protect your tooth from harm and alleviate any residual discomfort. That includes:

• Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash consistently
• Sticking to soft, nutrient-dense foods, like plain yogurt
• Drinking lots of water to stay hydrated and prevent dry mouth
• Avoiding bad habits, like smoking or biting your nails
• Rinsing periodically with warm saltwater

If you struggle with dental-related anxiety or are worried about the cost of emergency dental care, you might look for any sign that everything is okay, including your toothache disappearing. However, this isn’t good news. It actually means that it’s even more important that you schedule an appointment with your dentist ASAP. So, don’t wait – get an emergency exam on the calendar!

About the Practice

With a team of exceptional dentists, including an endodontist, you can confidently turn to our team at Ralph Ave Dental Care for all of your dental needs. Whether you are dealing with a painful toothache, you’re struggling with tooth loss, or you simply need to schedule your next dental checkup and teeth cleaning, we’re here to help! Simply schedule an appointment with us via our website or by phone at (718) 531-0300.