When you are suffering from ongoing tooth sensitivity, irritation, and pain, any relief, no matter how limited or brief, is welcome. Some of the primary reasons why teeth become sensitive and even painful include the development of gingivitis, chronic teeth grinding, the excessive or improper use of bleaching and other teeth whitening products, and damage to teeth resulting in chipped tooth enamel. The result of each of these conditions is the same. The inner portion of the tooth, known as the dentin, is exposed, and the cluster of small tubes that make up the dentin can expose the nerves inside the tooth, causing sensitivity, discomfort, and pain. The primary methods for treating tooth sensitivity involve patching or covering the exposed dentin, either through the use of fluoride, a professional bonding agent, or the patient’s own gums through the application of a graft.
Applying Fluoride
Fluoride can be applied to the teeth with a number of methods, including at home with a specially formulated fluoride toothpaste and fluoride rinse and in office with the professional application of a fluoride varnish, foam, or gel. It is important that any home application be conducted properly and with great care, such as brushing gently and correctly.
Professional Bonding Agents
A professional bonding agent, when applied correctly by a dentist, can seal the tubes in the dentin very effectively. In fact, recent studies have shown that bonding can offer the most effective relief from tooth sensitivity. If your bouts of sensitivity, discomfort, or pain do not go away after the continued application of fluoride, tooth bonding should be the next treatment option evaluated by your dentist.
Gum Grafts
Finally, if the dentin exposure is caused by gum recession, often the result of gingivitis and gum disease, your dentist may suggest a gum graft to cover the exposed dentin. There are a number of grafting procedures, but they all generally involve surgically moving tissue from another part of your mouth to the tooth and gum area. This new tissue will either cover the exposed dentin or compel the gums to grow back over the recessed area of the tooth.
For over 30 years, Dr. Lee Weisbard, D.D.S., and her team have provided Colorado and beyond with the highest quality dental experience available. And it all grew out of her compassion for others and a love for the dental arts.
She has the skills and committed excellence in cosmetic, general, and dental implant dentistry that brings you the best dental care in Greenwood Village, DTC, Englewood, Cherry Hills, Littleton, and the surrounding cities of Denver. She has received numerous awards and honors, including the prestigious 2018 Colorado Businesswoman of the Year award.