How Dentists Handle Sensitive Teeth

Have you ever wondered why you would suddenly feel twinges of pain in certain situations? Your dentist will most probably say that you have sensitive teeth. Sensitivity occurs whenever you drink or eat hot, cold and sweet substances. It may also occur at times when your tongue or other teeth touches the sensitive teeth.



To understand how sensitivity occurs, you need to know first the two major types of sensitivity. The first type is dentinal sensitivity which occurs when the middle layer of a tooth, called dentin is exposed. Dentins, which are normally covered with enamel and cementum, contains tubules where nerve branches lie. These nerve branches, when affected by temperature and pressure, causes sensitivity.



Dentin exposure is usually caused by eating and cleaning habits or poor oral hygiene. Enamel can be easily worn away with heavy brushing. Gum surgeries, untreated cavities, and acidic food and beverage consumption may expose the tooth’s root causing sensitivity. Dentists usually require the patient to avoid these habits or to maintain proper dental hygiene to alleviate the pain brought by sensitivity.



The other type is called Pulpal sensitivity or the reaction of the tooth’s pulp. A tooth’s pulp is a mass of blood vessels and nerves which when applied with pressure or temperature causes sensitivity to a single tooth. Decay or infection, recent filling, excessive pressure from grinding or clenching and cracked tooth are the known causes of Pulpal sensitivity. A Libertyville dentist may suggest root canal treatment especially when the tooth’s nerve is dying.



Libertyville dentists will determine if you need root canal treatment through your dental history and visual examination of your mouth. Some dentists may also perform x-ray to see if there is a decay of problem with the nerve. A metal instrument with sharp end called explorer may also be used to test the teeth for sensitivity.



Treatments for dentin sensitivity may include cleaning and preventive measures such as using ultra soft brush and tooth paste that provides protection against sensitivity. Libertyville dentists are now using dental lasers to reduce sensitivity in the nerves while root canal treatment is often suggested for pulpal sensitivity. The dentist can also make a plastic night guard to protect your teeth enamel when grinding during sleep.