X-Rays show no problems with my damaged tooth but it still hurts. What’s the deal?

Q.
I was assaulted Just over a week ago. The gum above my two front teeth was very painful and sore after the impact. One front tooth is very tender to bite on, it is not loose or broken. I did have an x ray in the hospital and it shows no signs of any damage.The gum around the front teeth is still quite sore and have some discomfort in the front teeth that comes and goes. Do you think there is damage to to the pulp in the tooth? Can an x ray miss something?
A.
Hi

Sorry to hear about your assault. Depending on how hard and direct the trauma was to the teeth could lead to various problems.

Teeth are held in the jaw by ligaments and any trauma to these can damage these which take some time to settle (bit like twisting a knee or ankle). You will need to have your bite checked that the tooth has not been pushed into an incorrect position. A dentist will be also able to run some further tests on the pulp (nerve of the tooth) to see if any damage.

X-rays straight after trauma don’t always show any pulpal damage straight away, I therefore recommend a follow up visit with a dentist rather than the hospital.

Good luck!

Mark

Dr Mark Hughes Harley Street Dental Studio 52 Harley Street, London W1G 9PY Web: www.harleystreetdentalstudio.com Tel: 020 7636 5981 View My Profile Dr Hughes
May 20th, 2011 at 08:47 PM
David Says :

Hello, thank you very much for replying. I am going to try seeing the Bristol Dental Hospital next week. My right front tooth does hurt when I push onto it. Hopefully, the pulp is not damaged and it will heal. If needed, can a front tooth have root canal treatment? Also, what medication is best to help deal with the pain?

May 24th, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Kelly Says :

Hi, i recently came to a your dentist about 5 months ago needing filling as decay was close to my root, the dentist told me that if it started hurting again it may need a root canal treatment, i am really nervous around dentists due to a bad experience. is there any possibility that i could be completely put under anaesthetic during the root canal treatment, if I have someone with me to take me home. I don’t mind paying for this?

May 24th, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Spencer Says :

I am thinking about having cosmetic dentistry. My teeth are very small andthe top are not straight. You can see a lot of gum when I smile. My teeth are very healthy. I really don92t want to have braces. I am very nervous with dentist and would rather have work done under an anaesthetic. offer this sort of treatment

May 25th, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Joe Says :

My dad is 55yrs old he is totally scared of the dentist and procedures. Heneeds extensive work doing on his teeth, do you offer general anaethetic? Or could you recommend anyone who could? Thank you

May 26th, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Alfred Says :

I have a front upper jaw bridge which my NHS dentist says is decayed underone tooth. She says the best treatment would be an implant because I don’twant a denture.To be honest I would like another bridge but she ays this won’t be possible.Obviously I would want someone to do it who is familiar with cosmetic dentistry. Thankyou

May 27th, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Sincere Says :

I have been in agony with one of my molars for the past few months. In my last dental session I had work done on this tooth, and my dentist assured methat all decay had been eradicated and then filled it on. The procedure was agony and I’m too scared to go back because I cant take the pain. If I am to get it done (which I need to) I feel I really need to be sedated. Please could you tell me roughly how much this would be? And tellin me how quickly I could book an appointment. I am a student in full time education at university just in case it entitles me to any discount etc. Thank you for your time, I look forward to hearing from you.

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