If you have a toothache that doesn't have an apparent cause, it's possible you have a sprained tooth ligament. This can be frustrating because a filling, crown, or root canal won't do anything to ease the pain in most cases. Your dentist can rule out obvious causes of the tooth pain such as a cavity or infection by doing an examination and taking x-rays. Here's a look at what causes a tooth sprain, also called tooth sprain syndrome or STS, and how you can treat it.
The Causes Of A Tooth Sprain
Although it may seem odd, you can sprain a tooth in the same way you sprain an ankle. The damage is to the ligament that holds the tooth in place. Your tooth may not be fractured or damaged in any way. The pain comes from the damage to the ligament. Several things can cause this to happen. It might result from biting on a popcorn kernel or hard seed. It could result from grinding your teeth at night or if your bite is out of alignment. A tooth sprain can be a sudden injury or the result of a chronic problem with the way you bite or chew.
The Treatments For A Tooth Sprain
As long as your tooth is not damaged, then there is no need for dental work on the tooth. However, if the sprain is caused by teeth shifting, a crown that is too big, or other problem with your teeth, your dentist might need to correct the dental problem so your ligament can heal and you can prevent further damage. In the case of a sudden injury from biting something hard, you'll have to allow time for your ligament to heal much in the same way you wait for a sprained ankle to heal.
Your dentist will probably advise you to avoid chewing gum so your mouth can rest. You may need to eat soft foods for a few weeks and avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth. Ice application, over-the-counter pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory medications may help you manage pain. Your dentist might make a custom mouth guard for you to wear to prevent you from clenching your teeth and making the condition worse. If you have a habit of grinding your teeth at night, you may need to wear the mouth guard every night to protect your teeth and prevent another sprain from happening.
It could take weeks for your sprained ligament to heal. By resting your mouth and not putting further stress on the ligament, it can heal as quickly as possible so you can resume eating normally and be free from pain. To learn more, cotnact a dental clinic like Airport Road Dental Associates .
Share