How Our Dentists Will Treat Your Sensitive Teeth

February 3, 2022

oral health

If you are dealing with sensitive teeth, it can affect nearly every aspect of your life. You may find eating and drinking to be uncomfortable. Maybe you’re hesitant to brush your teeth because it hurts too much. Depending on the levels of tooth sensitivity, your teeth may also hurt at other times.

The good news is that you don’t have to put up with sensitive teeth. Your dentist can help. Understanding how Dr. Dhiraj Sharma will treat your sensitive teeth is important, as this will give you the reassurance that there is treatment available. That’s especially important because while some people put off dental visits due to nerves, those with sensitive teeth might be even more concerned about pain. But knowing that it is temporary and there is a light at the end of the tunnel should give you the motivation you need to see Dr. Sharma about your teeth.

Keep in mind that the treatment for your sensitive teeth will depend on a long list of factors. The most important one will be the cause of the sensitivity. For example, some are due to gum disease or cavities, while others are from worn fillings or chipped teeth.

Fixing the Cracked or Broken Tooth

If the cause of your sensitivity is a cracked tooth, then the first course of action will be to fix that problem. Small cracks in your teeth can be filled. Depending on the damage, your dentist may suggest a crown or pull the tooth and place an implant. Pulling the tooth is typically reserved for serious cracks that go past the gum line.

Applying Fluoride

Depending on the cause of your tooth sensitivity, your dentist may apply fluoride. Applying it to the parts of your teeth with sensitivity can reduce pain and strengthen the enamel of your teeth.

Sometimes, your dentist may also suggest an at-home fluoride treatment or even a toothpaste with fluoride.

Bonding or Sealant

If the cause of your tooth sensitivity is an exposed root, bonding may help. This is when your dentist applies bonding resin to the surface of the sensitive root. He may use a local anesthetic before applying the bonding resin. This is also sometimes referred to as using a dental sealant.

Gum Grafting

One potential cause of sensitive teeth is exposed roots due to the loss of gum tissue. If this is the case, your dentist may suggest taking some gum tissue from another area of the mouth then attaching it to the area without enough gum tissue. You should notice reduced sensitivity after healing as the exposed roots would be covered and protected.

As a note, this lost gum tissue may come from several causes. It is a natural part of aging, and those over 40 are more likely to see their gums pull away from their teeth, leaving exposed roots. Gum disease can also be a cause.

Root Canals

While root canals are not the most fun, they produce great results. They are a good choice for severe pain in your teeth or situations where you try other methods without experiencing relief. Root canals treat the dental pulp, which is the soft core of your teeth.

Root canals are among the more effective dental treatments, but they are used for good reason. This is also the most successful treatment when it comes to getting rid of tooth sensitivity.

Recommending a Mouth Guard

Mouth guards are another potential treatment that is likely to only apply in a set situation. Specifically, your dentist may recommend them if you know you grind your teeth. That is because tooth grinding can fracture your teeth, and those fractures are a potential cause of sensitivity.

Stopping Tooth Whitening Treatments

Most people only have mild sensitivity, if any, from tooth whitening. Some people, however, experience more discomfort. If this happens, the sensitivity will likely be temporary.

That being said, you should always let your dentist know if your teeth are sensitive after a tooth whitening treatment. He can help you decide whether to stop the treatment.

Suggesting Desensitizing Toothpaste

Before you leave the dental office, your dentist may suggest desensitizing toothpaste. This kind of toothpaste can block some of the pain from your teeth, with those results starting after just a few uses. Your dentist can offer a suggestion, as there are several options available.

Encouraging Proper Brushing

In addition to potentially suggesting a desensitizing toothpaste, your dentist will offer other tips for your brushing routine.

To start, expect him to recommend you brush twice per day using a soft-bristled toothbrush. This type of brush will be gentler on your mouth yet still effective. He will also encourage you to use gentle strokes as you brush, which everyone should be doing anyway, regardless of tooth sensitivity.

Avoiding Certain Food and Drinks

If you have sensitive teeth, then you likely have already realized that some foods and drinks make them more sensitive than others. Your dentist can save you the struggle of finding a pattern to this sensitivity by suggesting what items to avoid.

Specifically, you should try to be careful with carbonated drinks, acidic foods and drinks, wine, and citrus fruits. All of these may remove tiny amounts of tooth enamel over time. Eventually, that can increase your tooth sensitivity. If you can’t avoid those foods and drinks completely, rinse your mouth with water afterward or use a straw for drinking them.

Conclusion

There are various factors that can cause sensitive teeth. These include grinding your teeth, eating acidic foods, receding gums, cavities, and chipped or cracked teeth. The treatment that your dentist suggests will depend on the cause. When possible, it will start by treating the cause, such as a gum graft for receding gums or a filling for a cracked tooth. In severe cases, your dentist may suggest a root canal. You should also expect some suggested lifestyle changes along with your treatment, such as choosing a soft-bristled brush or avoiding acidic foods and drinks.

If you’re looking to learn more about sensitive teeth, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with the best dentist in Lincoln Square.

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/sensitive-teeth/faq-20057854
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tooth-sensitivity
https://www.healthline.com/health/sensitive-teeth#Whats-the-outlook-for-tooth-sensitivity?
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sensitive-teeth

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