Treatment for tooth sensitivity

We suffer dental sensitivity when our gums are receding, we have caries, there is wear in the enamel or we suffer some trauma. Dental sensitivity, in any case, is a common ailment that affects 7 out of 10 adults, and can appear between 18 and 40 years of age.

Here at SOFDental we talk about treatment for tooth sensitivity.

What is tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity is a brief and localized discomfort, although it can be acute depending on its severity. Also known as “dental hypersensitivity“, it occurs in a specific tooth or in a specific area of the mouth when the dentin comes into contact with an external stimulus.

• Thermal: Hot or cold food or beverages
• Chemicals: Sweet or acidic substances
• Tactile: When pressing with the fingers, brushing or using dental tools.

Dentin

Dentin is the tissue that lies just below the enamel and is usually protected by the gingiva, root cementum and the tooth enamel itself. However, when this natural protection is lost, the area is exposed to external stimuli that result in tooth sensitivity.

This happens because dentin is composed of thousands of microscopic tubes, called dentinal tubules, whose function is to connect the external part of the teeth with their respective nerve endings.

Therefore, when the dentin is exposed, the tubules allow cold, heat and acids from different substances to come into contact with the nerves and cells of the tooth, causing pain.

Symptoms of tooth sensitivity

Pain resulting from tooth sensitivity can be easily identified:

• Acute, localized pain following an external reaction.
• It disappears when the stimulus is no longer in contact with the exposed or sensitive area.

However, persistent excessive sensitivity is a symptom of some type of oral disease that should be treated. Therefore, it is important to value the professional opinion after consultation with the dentist.

Causes of tooth sensitivity

The following are the different causes that give rise to tooth sensitivity. If you think that some of the possible causes correspond to your case, contact a specialized dental clinic immediately to avoid further complications.

• Caries
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Receding gums
• Worn tooth enamel
• After prophylaxis
• After tooth whitening
• During orthodontic treatment
• Acid erosion of teeth

Recommended treatments

Tooth sensitivity requires professional follow-up and treatment. In this regard, the dentist can identify or discharge any underlying condition. Depending on the circumstances, the dentist may recommend:

• Desensitizing toothpaste: Because it can help relieve the painful sensation of sensitive teeth.
• Fluoride: To strengthen tooth enamel and reduce discomfort. This, of course, requires help from the dentist.
• Desensitization or bonding: Exposed root surfaces can be treated with adhesive resin.
• Surgical gingival grafting: Gingival tissue attached to affected areas can eliminate the sensation of tooth sensitivity.
• Root canal: Root canal treatment is another professionally available option that allows treatment of the soft core of the tooth.