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Dentistry/Tongue bite pain days later

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Expert: - 2/10/2006


Question
Hi there.

Two or three days ago I was eating and accidentally bit down on the front / tip of my tongue with my front teeth pretty hard. It didn't bleed, more of a sharp pain. Anyway it didn't hurt too much at first, but the next day I had a sharp pain where I bit it that has yet to go away. It's sensitive to touch, and being right on the tip it makes both talking and eating painful endevours. I've looked at it in the mirror countless times, but can't see any visible physical damage. I'm hoping it's just bruised or something, but the pain is really sharp and has persisted for a few days now so I thought I should check if it should be hurting for this long if it isn't something serious. Thanks.

Answer
Dear Chris:  A tip-of-the-tongue bite is often similar to a minor laceration or paper cut is to the skin.  Much more painful than the damage would indicate.  And the tongue is very difficult to protect, or avoid touching.  Minor injuries are difficult to see, because of the color of the tongue being the same color as most minor wounds that occur there.  The sensitivity should be gone within a week.  If it persists beyond that, contact your doctor or dentist.  dd

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Howard Finnk, D.D.S., P.A., CEO

Expertise

I am a Family, Implant and Cosmetic dentist. I will answer questions on any aspect of dentistry and matters relating to the smile, gums, jaws and lower face. Member American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, and Atlantic Coast District Dental Association. I have served as District Council Member of Alpha Omega, as well as serving for one term as its President. I am also a member of The Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, and Mount Sinai Hospital Guild. I have served as a Volunteer for Project Dental Health and The Tri-County Dental Health Council.

Experience

Having attained over 30 years of clinical experience in private practice in Michigan, in 2001 I was re-certified by taking and passing the Florida State Dental Board Examination. After moving to Florida, I spent nearly 10 years re-honing my skills while working as an Associate Dentist for several large dental groups. In September, 2004, I was appointed Adjunct Clinical Professor at Nova University's College of Dental Medicine. I am certified in placement of Mini Dental Implants, and I am Director of The Florida Implant Center (floridaimplantcenter.com). On March 1, 2010, at the age of 62, I began all over again by buying a dental practice near my home in the Fort Lauderdale area. As sole owner and Chief Dental Officer of the new Nob Hill Dental Center (nobhilldentalcenter.com), I can now carefully provide dental care to patients who care, all within a caring, joyful environment. Over my career lifetime, I have provided thousands of diagnoses, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, periodontal treatments, TMJ therapies, partials, dentures and extractions, and dozens of implants for my patients. The only aspect of dentistry with which I have very little experience is orthodontics.

Organizations
American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, Atlantic Coast District Dental Society, Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, Alpha Omega Alumni Association, and American Association of Dental Implantologists. Formerly, American Academy of General Dentistry, Michigan Dental Association, Macomb Dental Society, Detroit District Dental Society, Tri-County Dental Health Council (a charitable dental care organization)

Publications
"How To Save Money At The Dentist" Going to press soon.

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology from Wayne State University Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Detroit College of Dentistry Adjunct Clinical Professor, Special Needs Department, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Awards and Honors
Membership in The Vedder Honors Society

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