Experiencing tooth pain can be frustrating, especially knowing that’s one of the most common signs that you require a root canal. While some patients may be tempted to put off visiting their emergency dentist to see if the issue handles itself, that will most likely result in worsening oral health and more serious and permanent problems. Even if your tooth pain stops, seeing an emergency dentist for treatment is a necessity, and here’s why.
What Does it Mean if I Have Tooth Pain?
Toothache and pain can be a result of different underlying oral health problems, from something stuck between the teeth to untreated decay or damage that has resulted in an infection. To determine whether you require emergency dental care, you can rule out if it’s something stuck between your tooth by gently flossing around the affected tooth.
If your pain persists after flossing and rinsing with lukewarm saltwater, it could mean that you need root canal therapy. This is necessary because harmful oral bacteria may have made their way into the inner structure of your tooth, called the chamber, and infected the pulp, which is a collection of soft tissues and nerves.
What Does it Mean if My Tooth Pain Goes Away?
Some people are tempted to leave their pain to resolve on its own, and while this may be tempting, it often results in even more severe damage to your smile, requiring extensive treatments like tooth extractions.
When the infection progresses and kills the pulp of the tooth, it will cause any pain you’ve felt to suddenly disappear since there are no longer live nerves within the tooth. This can also signify that the infection has spread to the roots, which will almost certainly mean that the tooth needs to be removed to prevent the infection from spreading to surrounding teeth.
Why is Timely Root Canal Therapy Important?
Despite their reputation for being painful and inconvenient procedures, root canal therapy actually is the opposite. Instead of causing pain, the treatment relieves it by removing the infected pulp and rebuilding the tooth’s structure. In addition, it also saves your natural tooth, eliminating the need for a tooth replacement after an extraction.
If the infection is left to spread, the chances that you’ll need more extensive and costly procedures to restore your oral health is much higher. Your wallet, as well as your smile, will be grateful for your decision to address your pain sooner rather than later!
About the Author
Dr. Jennifer Pham has over a decade of experience helping patients get out of pain and treating emergencies, like tooth infections. She is a proud, active member of several professional organizations that help her stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in her field. In addition to accepting dental insurance, she also offers multiple dental sedation methods to provide quick pain relief. For questions or to schedule an emergency dental appointment, visit Downtown Family Dental of Leesburg’s website or call 703-666-3867.