A toothache can be hard to ignore when it’s active, but what happens when it suddenly goes away? For many patients, relief from pain feels like a sign that the problem has resolved itself. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case.

In some situations, a disappearing toothache may actually indicate that a dental issue is still present—or even progressing. Understanding why this happens can help you make the right decision about your next steps and avoid more serious complications later on.