Dental question

[StevePil]

I have had a real sore tooth for past couple of days, I bit on a pen quite hard (I know really bad) and since its been quite tender when anything comes in contact with it, I went to dentist today and she checked it all and said its fine no issues, she took an x-ray and confirmed there is a bit of bruising and its pushed back slightly. She did say it may cause the nerve to die? and if that happens it will need root canal and be crowned costing �200, expensive pen :( and dont woryr will never do that again!!
She said I just need to wait and see what happens re my tooth as it may just heal but if pain gets bad (as its currntly fine its only when something touches it) to go back but said it may just settle down after a few days with ibuprofen... I am worried though as I go to Portugal in 2 weeks time for holiday and concerned it may get bad when I am there or just before?
Has anyone had this, what can I do to prevent any more damage? i am eating on other side of mouth etc...
Dentist said they wont touch it until they know if nerve is definitely dead which I am happy about, just dont know what to do... dont want an abcess as read some scary stories, how long does nerve in tooth take to die so when will I know if I have got away with it, sorry for all the questions and appreciatye any help
Thanks
Steve

[J9PUR]

From the history and symptoms you describe, there are two likely scenarios:
a) traumatic periodontitis (bruising of ligament supporting tooth)
b) cracked cusp syndrome (a 'hairline' crack in the tooth)

Both diagnoses would fit your symptoms, and both are unlikely to show up on a radiograph. I would assume that your dentist checked for a cracked cusp.

If diagnosis a), then time and Ibuprofen will allow to settle and no treatment usually needed

If diagnosis b), then dental intervention is usually needed and treatment can include root canal therapy and provision of a crown, although this is not always needed.

I would support your dentists plan of action, ie monitoring the situation. If all settles, then fine. If symptoms persist then to return to your dentist for reassessment and treatment.

If your holiday is in 2 weeks, your should have some idea as to the outcome in a few days. Yes it's possible for the tooth to devitalise and form an abscess but the timescale for this is variable and may never happen at all.

I would simply go easy on it for a few days and return to your dentist next week if not settled.

Hope this helps.