Do cold drinks make you wince, brushing feels like torture, and ice cream? You aren’t the only one. Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common dental problems, affecting millions every day. Tooth sensitivity occurs when the enamel becomes thin, exposing the roots.
This means that hot, cold, sweet, and sour foods can reach the nerves of the teeth. If not addressed, it can become a painful experience for the sufferer. Fortunately, there are treatments for tooth sensitivity, as dentists have already found ways to solve it.
How Dentists Diagnose Tooth Sensitivity
Before any form of treatment is initiated, it is essential to have an accurate diagnosis. Tooth sensitivity can be a symptom of various dental issues, and applying the same solution to all cases may not be appropriate, as it may mask more serious problems such as an abscess or a deep fracture.
The Clinical Examination
The first step in the professional diagnosis of tooth sensitivity is to take an in-depth dental history, during which the dentist will inquire about the type of pain being experienced. Is it sharp and transient or dull and lingering? The dentist will then proceed with an examination to see whether there are any signs of attrition, abrasion, or erosion.
Advanced Diagnostic Tools
Tactile and Air Testing: A dentist will use air or a dental explorer to identify which tooth is sensitive.
Dental X-rays: A digital X-ray is vital for detecting problems that cannot be seen with the naked eye. This includes interproximal decay or cracks in the tooth, which might be responsible for nerve pain.
Bite Pressure Tests: Pain experienced only when biting might be due to a cracked tooth or a high filling, rather than dentin exposure.
According to a literature review published in The Journal of Conservative Dentistry, a systematic approach is the gold standard for differentiating dentin hypersensitivity from other pulpal pathologies.
Professional Treatments Dentists Use for Sensitive Teeth
When at-home sensitivity toothpastes aren’t enough, dentists turn to clinical-grade interventions. The choice of treatment is dictated by the severity of the enamel loss and the health of the surrounding gum tissue.
Fluoride Treatments
For mild to moderate cases, professional fluoride application is the first line of defense. Unlike over-the-counter rinses, in-office fluoride varnishes contain high concentrations of the mineral that chemically bonds to the tooth surface.
Fluoride helps remineralize weakened enamel and, more importantly, precipitates minerals into the open dentin tubules, effectively plugging the pathways to the nerve.
Desensitizing Agents (Sealants & Pastes)
However, if the sensitivity is localized, a dentist may use desensitizing agents or plastic sealants to cover the area. The agents, such as glutaraldehyde or HEMA, function as a shield. The agents are applied to the sensitive area, dried with a curing light, and provide a protective coating against external agents for several months.
Dental Bonding
If the sensitivity is due to significant enamel loss or a notch in the gum area, known as abfraction, dental bonding can be a very effective solution. A tooth-colored resin is applied to the sensitive area. Not only does it relieve the pain by covering the exposed dentin, but it also gives the tooth a natural look and feel.
Gum Graft Surgery
If your tooth sensitivity is due to extensive gum recession, a gum graft may be the most sustainable treatment option. A periodontist takes a piece of gum tissue (from elsewhere in the mouth or a donor source) and grafts it to the area of the gum recession.
Fillings, Crowns, and Inlays
When sensitivity arises from structural damage to the teeth, fillings, crowns, and inlays can be the most effective treatment options.
Fillings: In this method, the decayed portion is removed, and the tooth is filled to avoid further decay.
Crowns: In this method, the tooth is completely covered with a cap to protect it from extreme temperatures and biting pressure. This method is recommended when the tooth has developed deep cracks or has become worn out.
Root Canal Treatment for Severe Sensitivity
In rare cases where the nerves are inflamed, no other treatment will help, and a root canal may be the only way to completely eliminate the sensitivity while the rest of the tooth remains in place.
At-Home Care Dentists Recommend for Sensitive Teeth
Professional treatments work best when supported by a specialized home care routine. If you are struggling with tooth sensitivity in Livingston, incorporating these dentist-approved habits can help maintain your clinical results.
Desensitizing Toothpaste: Look for ingredients like Potassium Nitrate (which calms the nerve) or Stannous Fluoride (which blocks the tubules). Use it consistently; it often takes 2-4 weeks to reach full effectiveness.
The Soft Brush Rule: Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hard bristles act like sandpaper on your gums and enamel, worsening sensitivity over time.
Dietary Adjustments: Limit highly acidic foods like citrus and soda. If you do consume them, rinse with water immediately afterward rather than brushing, as acid softens the enamel.
Night Guards: If your dentist notices signs of grinding (bruxism), a custom night guard can help prevent further enamel thinning.
To Sum Up
While living with sensitive teeth can be annoying, the good news is that it is treatable. With a variety of treatments, such as fluoride treatments, fillings, and bonding, dentists have effective solutions to relieve your discomfort and protect your teeth. The challenge is to address your sensitive teeth before they get worse.
With easy solutions and professional treatment, you can say goodbye to painful brushing and chewing. If you’re living with sensitive teeth in Livingston, schedule your appointment with The Honest Crown today and start your journey to relief.