Can Severe Tooth Pain Go Away on Its Own?

Toothaches can be truly agonizing, making even the simplest tasks seem daunting. The pressing question on your mind when that pain strikes is whether you should endure it in hopes that it magically disappears. Can severe tooth pain go away on its own, or is intervention necessary? 

Let’s dive into the complexities of toothaches, explore the potential causes, and help you determine whether time alone can provide relief. It's time to unravel the mystery of tooth pain and discover when it's prudent to seek professional help for lasting comfort and oral health.
 

What Is Causing Your Toothache 

To determine if tooth pain can go away on its own you need to understand first what's causing it. 

• Tooth decay: A cavity is a hole in the structure of the tooth caused by bacteria. At first, the acids produced by the bacteria will attack the enamel and you may not experience any symptoms at all. But as the decay wears down the enamel and enters the inner layers of the tooth, you will start to feel pain and notice black dots and pits on the tooth. 
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• Gum disease: Plaque and tartar buildup can also affect the gums. As they become inflamed or infected, you will also experience pain. 
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• Tooth abscess: A cavity that's been left untreated can lead to a pocket of pus. In addition to pain, a tooth abscess can also be accompanied by fever, swelling of the jaw, and difficulty swallowing. 
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• Broken Tooth: A cracked or broken tooth can also cause severe pain, especially if the damage is severe and the underlying nerves are exposed. 
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Can the Pain Go Away on Its Own? 

In most instances, severe tooth pain requires urgent dental care. Unlike other body tissues, teeth don't regenerate or heal themselves. If there's damage or decay, it won't naturally repair. 

Even though it may seem sometimes that the pain is going away, the relief is only temporary. For instance, an abscessed tooth might stop hurting if the abscess ruptures and drains, but the infection is still there and can spread. 

Ignoring tooth pain or numbing it with over-the-counter medication can be detrimental to your oral health. Sure, you will get some relief, but you aren't addressing the root cause. Over time, the pain will only worsen and you will have to deal with extensive dental issues that require more complex and expensive treatments. 
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Why You Need to See a Dentist Right Away 

Severe tooth pain is often a dental emergency. If it's caused by an abscess, for example, you need swift care as the infection could spread to other organs in your body and lead to sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition. 

If you're experiencing severe tooth pain, it's crucial to get in touch with the Emergency Dentist of Austin right away. Our team can provide a definitive diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment. Delaying can not only intensify the pain but also increase the risk of complications.

Call the team from Emergency Dentist of Austin at 512-961-6200, tell them about your dental emergency, and they will schedule you for a same-day appointment.