Bothered by a dull ache in your teeth? Some people fear a cracked tooth and run to their dentist for emergency repairs, but no gums problems or cracking can be detected. One possible cause of pain is sprained tooth syndrome or STS.
What is Sprained Tooth Syndrome?
Sprained tooth syndrome describes the condition where tooth ligaments become stretched and inflamed, causing pain and discomfort. Like other bones in the human body, teeth also have ligaments or connective tissues that connect one bone to another. Ligaments act as shock absorbers, compressing together to prevent teeth from shattering and breaking the attached bone.
Teeth ligaments do a good job of reducing shock, but they can be damaged with too much pressure. Some causes of STS:
- Trauma from debris like seeds and small pieces of bone
- Overfilled crowns
- Colds
- Sinus problems
- Drifting teeth
- Grinding teeth while sleeping (sleep bruxism)
How is STS Treated?
In most cases, sprained tooth syndrome can be treated like a regular sprained ankle. Avoid pressure on the affected area (don’t use the tooth for chewing and biting) to speed up healing. To manage moderate pain, pain killers like Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen may be prescribed by your dentist. For serious, long-term pain, your dentist may conduct one of several procedures if conservative approaches are unsuccessful. Adjusting a patient’s bite is one example, but some conservative dentists avoid this because the healing process may take longer. Grounding down tooth to adjust a person’s bite is permanent and may lead to other problems later.
Do you have aching teeth but are terrified to visit the dentist? Dr. Ron and his highly-skilled and accommodating staff care for patients with dental anxiety every day. Our New Albany Implants office in Indiana is designed to ensure that your experience is pleasant and even fun. Visit us today or call to book an appointment!