Tooth Sensitivity and Pain After Biting Hard Objects - Dentistry

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After biting down on chopsticks, there is a dull pain and sensitivity to hot and cold?


Hello, Doctor: Twenty years ago, my upper right incisor was struck by my lower right canine while biting into food, causing significant pain and slight mobility with some inward displacement.
At that time, the dentist took X-rays and determined there were no fractures or cavities, recommending observation for a period.
After a month, the mobility and pain gradually subsided, but I found it difficult to bite into harder foods.
Last year, I accidentally bit into a piece of cloth with that same incisor, and a week later, I still felt soreness and sensitivity, so I visited a clinic.
The dentist took X-rays and again found no fractures or cavities.
A month later, the pain diminished, and I could eat normally, although I avoided using that tooth to tear harder foods.
This New Year's Day, I accidentally bit down on a chopstick with that incisor, causing immediate pain.
After two weeks of observation, the pain improved gradually, and I could eat normally, but I experienced persistent dull pain after eating, prompting me to seek medical attention.
The dentist took X-rays and confirmed there were no shadows at the apex of the root or cavities, and no significant cracks were visible.
The dentist then gently rocked the tooth 4-5 times, noting slight mobility but within an acceptable range.
After returning home that day, I experienced severe pain in that tooth, which persisted for 2-3 days, followed by increased sensitivity to temperature, especially to heat, which was more intense than cold.
Even drinking water caused pain, and the tooth felt dull and painful when not eating, with some soreness while brushing.
After a few days, the sensitivity and pain slightly decreased, but gentle contact with the gums and bone above the incisor and adjacent incisor caused pain, and pressing towards the nostril area resulted in a feeling of swelling.
I visited the clinic again.
The dentist took another X-ray of the incisor, finding only that the crown of the tooth and the bone were in a 1:1 ratio, suspecting this might be the cause of the temperature sensitivity.
The dentist used a periodontal probe to check for periodontal pockets, finding no severe issues, and there were no abscesses in the gums.
Additionally, the adjacent incisor was also X-rayed, showing no cavities or shadows at the root apex, and slight mechanical abrasion caused some sensitivity, but the root was not necrotic.
The dentist advised that if there was no severe pain, biting pain, or spontaneous pain, root canal treatment for the incisor was not recommended, and suggested further observation.
Thank you, doctor, for patiently reviewing my medical history.
I would like to ask you three questions and seek your advice:
Q1: After three incidents of biting (colliding) with hard objects, although I experienced pain or dull pain, I did not have any temperature sensitivity or pain upon pressing the gums.
These two symptoms only appeared after the dentist rocked the tooth.
Could this indicate periodontal ligament inflammation or periodontitis, or is it possible that a crack is causing pulp inflammation?
Q2: Currently, aside from occasional dull pain in the incisor, the adjacent incisor also experiences occasional dull pain, especially after consuming hot soup, causing both teeth to ache.
Should I continue to observe this, or should I visit a larger hospital? If I need to seek treatment, should I see an endodontist or a periodontist?
Q3: Since there is pain when lightly touching the gums and bone above the incisor, and the dentist confirmed that the tooth nerve still has sensation after slight mechanical smoothing, the dentist used another tool to make the surface smooth.
However, in the past few days, the areas that were smoothed have become sensitive to temperature and dull pain.
Is this sensitivity due to the surface smoothing of the tooth?

MiMi, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/01/29

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry


Hello Miss MiMi: 1.
Generally, it may just be an injury to the periodontal ligament, but if there is a tooth fracture, it could affect the dental pulp.
2.
If the tooth continues to be sensitive to hot and cold, it may indicate pulpitis; it is recommended to consult with a dental specialist to evaluate the need for root canal treatment.
3.
If sensitivity to hot and cold and dull pain persist after grinding, it is advisable to return for an examination.
Dr.
Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, Nantou Hospital.

Reply Date: 2024/01/29

More Info


To address your concerns regarding tooth sensitivity and pain after biting hard objects, it’s essential to understand the underlying mechanisms that may contribute to these symptoms. Based on your detailed history, it appears that you have experienced a series of traumatic events involving your upper lateral incisor, leading to ongoing sensitivity and discomfort.

Q1: Could the sensitivity and pain be due to periodontal ligament inflammation or periodontal disease, or could it indicate pulp inflammation due to a crack?
The symptoms you describe, particularly the sensitivity to temperature and the pain upon pressure, could indeed be indicative of inflammation in the periodontal ligament. When a tooth experiences trauma, such as being struck by another tooth or biting down on a hard object, it can lead to micro-tears in the periodontal ligament. This inflammation can cause pain and sensitivity, especially when pressure is applied. However, the absence of visible cracks or decay on X-rays does not entirely rule out the possibility of a hairline fracture that might not be easily detectable. Such fractures can lead to pulpitis, where the nerve inside the tooth becomes inflamed, resulting in heightened sensitivity to temperature changes.

Q2: Should I continue to observe the symptoms, or is it advisable to seek further evaluation at a dental hospital? If so, which department should I consult?
Given that you are experiencing persistent symptoms, including sensitivity to temperature and discomfort in adjacent teeth, it would be prudent to seek further evaluation. While your dentist has suggested observation, the ongoing nature of your symptoms, particularly the sensitivity to hot and cold, warrants a more thorough investigation. You should consider visiting a dental hospital where specialists can conduct a more comprehensive assessment. Depending on your symptoms, you may want to consult either the endodontics department (for potential pulp issues) or the periodontics department (for gum and bone health). An endodontist can perform tests to assess the vitality of the pulp and determine if root canal treatment is necessary.

Q3: Is the increased sensitivity and dull pain after the recent dental adjustments due to the surface being smoothed?
It is not uncommon for teeth to become temporarily sensitive after dental procedures, including adjustments and smoothing. When a dentist smooths the surface of a tooth, it can expose dentin, which is more sensitive than enamel. Dentin contains microscopic tubules that lead to the nerve endings inside the tooth. If these tubules are exposed, it can result in increased sensitivity to temperature changes and pressure. Additionally, if any inflammation is present in the periodontal ligament or pulp, this can exacerbate the sensitivity following dental work.
In summary, your symptoms are likely multifactorial, stemming from previous trauma, potential inflammation of the periodontal ligament, and possibly pulp involvement. It is essential to maintain open communication with your dentist and consider further evaluation if symptoms persist or worsen. Regular follow-ups and appropriate imaging can help ensure that any underlying issues are addressed promptly, preventing further complications.

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