You are here:

Dentistry/Tooth sensitivity

Advertisement

Expert: - 2/3/2009


Question
I was playing a game of basketball 3 days ago and I took an elbow to the front of my mouth – Suffered a minor gash to the lip along with tightening of my upper 2 front teeth (felt like I just got my braces tightened). My teeth were the last of my worries since there was no significant pain. Although there really hasn’t been a sensitivity issue for the past 3 days – today, my teeth are feeling sensitive to cold or hot liquids and foods.

Could my tooth be dying or is it to early to determine?  

Answer
Yes, there is some indication here that the nerve of the teeth may have suffered some damage.  It is yet to be seen if that damage is reversible or will require root canal treatment.  Supervision by a dentist will help to clarify the fate of those teeth.  If the symptoms do not improve in the next few days I would suggest you schedule an examination.

Dentistry

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Dr. Randolph Myerson

Expertise

Please limit your inquiry to questions about orthodontics (braces) and children's dentistry. I am both an Orthodontist and a Pediatric Dentist, having been trained in both of these dental specialty fields. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats problems of tooth, bite and jaw alignment using braces and removable appliances. Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty also known as dentistry for children, which deals specifically with the dental problems of this special age group from infants to adolescents. I am also experienced in Forensic Dentistry, the application of dentistry to law enforcement and identification using dental records.

Experience

I have been in the private practice of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for over 20 years. Prior to that I served for three years on the Cleft Palate and Cranio-facial Reconstruction team at Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia and was an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. I also served as a dentist in the U.S.Air Force, stationed at Andrews AFB in Washington, DC.

Organizations
I am a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dental Society of the State of New York.

Education/Credentials
I received my BA in Biology from Frankin & Marshall College in 1969, and my dental degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1973. In 1978 I received both my Certificate in Orthodontics from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia after completing a three year Teaching Fellowship in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 1978.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.