What Is Tooth Sensitivity and What Are the Treatment Options?

There are many reasons why teeth could hurt, but one of the commonest problems is sensitive teeth. This results from eating or drinking, cold or hot, sweet or sour foods or drinks one experiences a sharp pain in the teeth.

Sensitive teeth, also known as dentinal hypersensitivity, arises when gums pull away from your teeth at the gum line revealing the dentin layer of your tooth. Dentine is a hardened material surrounding the enamel, and it is a major part of the tooth. The dentine is not protected by the enamel that covers the part of the tooth you see in your mouth.

When dentine is exposed, the microscopic pores called tubules that lead to the tooth nerve are left unprotected. Hot, cold, and sometimes sweet or bitter foods can prompt sensitivity pain in the teeth. Tooth sensitivity may be a passing or prolonged problem, and it affects several teeth or one tooth.

What Causes Sensitivity in Teeth?

• Gum collapse/recession, which often arises in people suffering from periodontal diseases, thus exposing the dentine.
• Aggressive brushing and brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush. This wears down enamel exposing dentin
• Acidic foods and beverages which reduces the enamel
• Teeth grinding or clenching, which wears down the enamel.
• Dental Procedures-Recent professional cleaning, root planning, crown replacement, and other tooth restoration procedures may bring sensitivity, which disappears after some weeks.
• Gum tissue, when inflamed, results in exposure of the tooth’s root.
• Tooth decay or physical injury to the Tooth-This could be cracked teeth that are filled with bacteria from plaque and causes inflammation in the pulp of the tooth.

Always see your dentist in Coppell if your tooth pain is severe and consistent, and mainly if the discomfort in the teeth lasts for more than two days. If you have the sharp recurring pains, commonly felt with tooth sensitivity, use products that are designed to ease the discomfort that arises from tooth sensitivity

Tooth Sensitivity Treatment

Sensitivity in teeth never disappears completely. Each dentist has different types of treating sensitivity and recommend which is best for you. If a dentist diagnosis the reason for your sensitivity, the right treatment will be addressed to you, decreasing the pain.

The following are some of the dental procedures that reduce tooth sensitivity;

• Desensitizing toothpaste- There are several brands of toothpaste available for sensitive teeth. Your dentist may recommend the product that might work best for you. Be sure to use fluoridated toothpaste and spread it on the exposed tooth roots before bed.

• Surgical gum graft- This is called gum graft or periodontal plastic surgery. This surgery involves the removal of healthy gum tissue and using it to build where it has been affected. This reduces the sensitivity of the tooth and protects the root.

• Fluoride gel or Varnish- Our Coppell dentist applies fluoride to the sensitive areas of your teeth to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce pain. We also suggest the use of prescription fluoride at home, applied via a custom tray.

• Bonding, crowns or inlays- Exposed root surfaces can be treated by applying bonding gum to the sensitive root surfaces. A local anesthetic might be needed. This fixes a tooth flaw or decay that is causing sensitivity.

• Root canal- If your sensitive teeth cause severe pain and other treatments aren’t effective, your dentist might recommend one.

Root canal treatment is a dental technique used to treat contamination at the center of a tooth. It is only vital when dental x-rays show that the soft tissue has been injured by bacteria infection. It’s one of the best ways to treat tooth sensitivity.

First-time patients experiencing this can make an appointment with a dentist who checks for potential glitches, for example, decays, cavities, or gingivitis that could cause sensitivity in the teeth.

To avoid teeth sensitivity, one should clean teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush, Use fluoride, avoid harsh pastes, and brush gently rather than rough cleaning. When grinding teeth, visit a dentist near you and ask about a mouthguard. Grinding of teeth can cause fracturing of teeth and extreme sensitivity of the teeth.

Avoid acidic foods and drinks, all of which erode tooth enamel over time. To find out which tooth sensitivity treatment would be the best method for you, be sure to see our dentist in Coppell at Compassion Smiles.