Toothaches are as disruptive to your daily life as they are painful. After hours or even days of pain, when the ache suddenly subsides you may feel like it’s time to celebrate. While it’s understandable to feel joy in relief, now is the time to see a dentist. You may need a root canal treatment.
If you want to learn why sudden pain relief may be a sign of something much more serious, continue reading.
Understanding the Root Cause of Tooth Pain
Your teeth are actually made up of multiple layers of material that allow them to be both strong and adaptable. The outside is made of enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. Under that is the dentin, which is a softer material that makes up the majority of your tooth’s mass. At the center of each tooth is a chamber called the pulp.
The pulp is the focus of tooth pain as it contains all of your nerve endings and blood vessels. These allow your teeth to feel pressure and changes in temperature. When this pulp is invaded and infected, it can cause the nerves to fire off, causing pain.
Why Is it Bad When the Pain Stops?
As mentioned above, the pain receptors in your teeth are sounding the alarm because an intruder is in the house, so to speak. If the alarm stops suddenly, it means the intruder found a way to shut it off.
In this case, the reason the pain has subsided is because all the nerve endings have been destroyed. This leaves the infection to spread in silence.
Do I Need a Root Canal?
Only your dentist can make that determination, so it’s best to make an appointment as soon as possible. Once in the chair, your dentist will give you a thorough examination before recommending treatment.
If you do need a root canal, don’t panic. Modern dental anesthetics, instruments, and techniques make the treatment painless. You may feel some pressure as your dentist prepares your tooth, but you should otherwise be pain-free.
If you suspect you need a root canal treatment, don’t delay. The longer the infection in your tooth is allowed to spread, the more complex and expensive the procedure becomes. After your root canal treatment, you’ll see your quality of life improve and have some peace of mind.
About the Practice
At Legacy Dental, your comfort is paramount. Their team of highly trained and professional dentists uses the latest dental technology and techniques to make your treatment as efficient and pain-free as possible. To schedule a root canal consultation, call (972) 723-1148 or visit the website to see other services available.