Toothache & Root Canal Therapy: What if the Tooth Pain Stops?

If you have been suffering from a severe toothache, it’s essential to go to the dentist to find out the cause of the pain. When you go to your appointment, you may be told you need root canal therapy. Most people dread hearing that news but despite what common folklore portrays, the procedure is very painless and most people only experience very mild discomfort. However, if your tooth pain stops, you may feel overjoyed thinking you no longer need to treat your tooth but that may not be the case. Here’s what to know about toothaches and why root canal therapy may be your only solution for a happy, healthy smile!

When is a Root Canal Recommended for a Toothache?

When the inside of a tooth (called the tooth pulp) becomes infected, usually as a result of an untreated cavity, it needs to be removed. When tooth decay works its way to the inner bundles of the nerves, a toothache occurs. The bacteria is attacking the nerves, resulting in pain in the mouth. To treat and stop the infection in its tracks to keep it from spreading, the infection needs to be removed and the tooth needs to be cleaned out.

What Does It Mean if the Tooth Pain Goes Away?

While it may seem it’s a good sign your tooth is no longer in pain, it actually means the infection has reached an advanced stage! The nerve is now dead and no longer sends any signals of pain to your brain. Unfortunately, this isn’t the end of it. The infection will continue to travel to the bone and the discomfort will return again.

Once the infection has spread, you risk further damaging your jawbone and even eventually losing your teeth. Even worse, the infection can keep going and spread to the rest of your body. In short, the loss of pain is actually a signal that you need to tend to your oral health right away before it worsens!

What Should You Do About a Toothache?

If you receive root canal therapy earlier rather than later, you increase the chances of keeping your tooth. This is why getting professional dental care is essential, no matter what level of discomfort you are in.

While you wait for your appointment or for your infection to be treated, you can alleviate your symptoms by:

• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, like Ibuprofen (Note: Be sure to not let the medication touch the tooth or gums.)
• Hold an ice pack over any swollen tissue inside your mouth, giving yourself a break every 10 minutes.
• Periodically rinse with salt water or a hydrogen peroxide solution, which acts as a natural disinfectant.

Tending to your smile is important…not only because it brings joy to others, but it helps with everyday functioning like speaking and eating. By seeking help right away, even if your tooth pain has stopped, you can be sure to return to excellent oral health as soon as possible.

About the Author

Dr. Bradford Plasha and his team at The Dental Spot keep the smiles of Collegeville healthy and whole! He studied dentistry at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and is an active member of the American Dental Association and the Pennsylvania Dental Association. With the goal of providing high-quality dentistry in a warm, comfortable environment, he can help you with any dental issue and provide restorative services like root canal therapy. To schedule an appointment, contact his office through his website or call (484) 559-6094.