Sudden Tooth Pain After Biting Chicken Bone: Is It Cracked?

Q: Sudden Tooth Pain After Biting Chicken Bone: Is It Cracked?

Hello： It is recommended that you visit a medical facility to have an X-ray taken to confirm whether there is any injury or inflammation of the dental pulp. <br>Thank you! Sincerely, Lin Chia-Yung, Department of Dentistry, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

If you bit into a chicken bone and suddenly experienced sharp pain in your tooth, is it possible that it has cracked?

Hello, Dr.
Lin.
While I was eating, I unexpectedly bit into a small chicken bone with my upper left second molar, and I felt a sudden sharp pain in the tooth, but it returned to normal immediately.
This has happened several times in the same spot, where I feel a brief pain and then it goes back to normal.
Could my tooth be cracked?

Zuo Shou Xiang, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/01/27

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry

Hello: It is recommended that you visit a medical facility to have an X-ray taken to confirm whether there is any injury or inflammation of the dental pulp.
Thank you! Sincerely, Lin Chia-Yung, Department of Dentistry, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2021/01/27

More Info

When you experience sudden tooth pain after biting down on a chicken bone, it can be concerning, especially if it happens repeatedly in the same area. The immediate sharp pain followed by a quick return to normal sensation could indicate a few possibilities regarding the health of your tooth.

Firstly, it's important to understand that teeth are quite resilient, but they can be susceptible to damage from hard objects, such as chicken bones. The sudden pain you felt could be a sign of a few different issues:
1. Cracked Tooth: A crack in the tooth may not always be visible, especially if it's small. The pain you experienced could be due to the crack causing irritation to the nerve inside the tooth. If the crack is deep enough, it could lead to more severe pain, sensitivity to temperature, or even infection.

2. Dental Pulp Injury: The sudden pain could also indicate that the dental pulp (the innermost part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels) has been injured. This can happen even without visible cracks. If the pulp is damaged, it can lead to inflammation or infection, which may require more extensive treatment.

3. Tooth Sensitivity: Sometimes, the enamel (the outer layer of the tooth) can be worn down or damaged, leading to increased sensitivity. This sensitivity can be exacerbated by biting down on hard objects.

4. Gum Issues: The pain could also be related to gum irritation or inflammation, especially if the bone fragment caused trauma to the surrounding gum tissue.

Given that this has happened multiple times in the same location, it is advisable to seek a dental evaluation. A dentist can perform a thorough examination and may recommend an X-ray to check for any underlying issues such as cracks or pulp damage. X-rays are particularly useful in diagnosing problems that are not visible to the naked eye.

In the meantime, here are some steps you can take to manage your situation:
- Avoid Hard Foods: Until you have a definitive diagnosis, try to avoid hard foods that could exacerbate the issue.

- Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any discomfort you may experience.

- Good Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly to prevent any potential infections.

In conclusion, while the pain subsided quickly, it is essential to have a dental professional assess your tooth to rule out any serious issues such as cracks or pulp damage. Early intervention can prevent more significant problems down the line, including the need for root canal therapy or tooth extraction. If you notice any changes in your symptoms, such as persistent pain, swelling, or sensitivity, seek dental care promptly.

Similar Q&A

Managing Tooth Pain: Treatment Options for Gum Recession and Injury

Hello Dr. Liu, My teeth have generally been in good condition, with no cavities or extractions. However, twenty years ago, I experienced sensitivity to cold, and my dentist diagnosed it as gum recession. Five years ago, I injured my molar by biting down on something hard. Initia...

Dr. Liu Tiancai reply Dentistry
Hello: After biting down on a hard object, not only the gums are usually affected, but the occlusal surfaces of the molars often exhibit "cracked tooth syndrome." If you have bitten into a chicken bone and are experiencing significant pain, it is likely that the crack h...

Understanding Tooth Pain After Eating Hard Foods: Causes and Solutions

Yesterday at noon, I bit into beef and pushed my upper left canine outward. At that moment, I felt a sensation similar to bending a fingernail, and then it continued to hurt until the evening. However, the pain was in the adjacent tooth. By evening, the pain shifted to the entire...

Dr. Qiu Qiongyao reply Dentistry
Hello Mr. IHSO1: Regarding the issue you mentioned, it seems that your tooth is cracked. Please visit the dental clinic for treatment. The Hualien Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare cares about you.

Understanding Tooth Pain After Biting Hard Objects: When to Seek Dental Care

Hello Dr. Lin, During dinner today, I experienced a brief sharp pain in my right incisor after biting into a small piece of bone. The pain lasted for about a few seconds and then disappeared. There are no visible cracks on the exterior of the tooth, and currently, it only feels ...

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry
Hello: A simple way to assess is to observe whether there is bleeding in the gum area. If there is bleeding, it may indicate slight displacement of the tooth; if there is none, it might just be a simple impact. To check for cracks in the tooth itself, examine it under bright ligh...

Understanding Dental Issues: Symptoms and Treatment for Tooth Injuries

Dear Dr. Tseng, Two days ago, I had ribs for dinner, and while biting into the meat near the bone, I suddenly felt a crunching sound from my right-side teeth, realizing I had bitten into a piece of bone. My upper and lower first and second molars on the right side have silver fi...

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
1. Possible generalized sensitivity and pain. 2. If the periodontal ligament is damaged, generally, as long as you avoid biting hard objects and maintain good oral hygiene, there is a chance of recovery. 3. Monitor the situation, but once there is tooth sensitivity and pain, you ...