Tooth Pain and Sensitivity Treatment Houston Cosmetic Dental Center.
Tooth Pain – Sensitive to Hot and Cold?
If you have tooth pain whenever you brush or when hot, cold, sweet or sour food and drink causes you tooth pain, then you have sensitive teeth.
What causes the tooth pain or sensitivity?
The upper portion of your teeth – the part above the gumline – is surrounded by enamel, a kind of 'armor’ that protects the tooth's nerves from outside harm. If you are experiencing tooth pain due to sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet or sour food or drink, more than likely your enamel has been worn down enough to expose the nerves to the elements. Old fillings, bridges and other dental work, also contribute to this kind of tooth pain.
Keep in mind that tooth decay or a cracked tooth can cause these symptoms as well and you should consult your dentist whenever tooth pain occurs. When gums recede -- even just a little -- the covering of the surface of the root called the cementum, is exposed. When this thin layer of cementum is lost, tiny channels or tubules -- located in the underlying structure of the tooth called the dentin -- are exposed. The tubules are disturbed by temperature changes that stimulate a nerve receptor and is felt as pain.
What treatment is available for tooth pain due to sensitivity?
Flouride treatments and desensitizing toothpastes help but may take from four to six weeks to show results. These toothpastes contain potassium nitrate, the only compound recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) for treating dentin sensitivity.
Your dentist may have you place the desensitizing toothpaste in a “fluoride tray,” two times a day for about five minutes to increase the intensity of the treatment. If you do not respond to the fluoride tray treatment, then your dentist might apply a dentin sealer to the surface. Other in-office treatments include dentinal tube blockers, such as stannous fluoride.
How do I combat tooth pain and sensitivity due to bleaching (whitening)?
People who already have exposed dentin and are living with some type of tooth pain due to sensitivity should be warned that they have a greater risk of hypersensitivity after bleaching or whitening. Someone whose teeth become sensitive from bleaching should reduce the frequency or duration of the process. If this cannot be done, than they should discontinue the bleaching process altogether.
Another option is to use a bleaching product that contains potassium nitrate. Alternatively, you can desensitize your teeth with a toothpaste that contains potassium nitrate by using it for several days prior to whitening.
Brushing too hard, using a hard-bristled toothbrush, or brushing in the wrong direction may wear at the cementum and cause the dentin to be exposed. Follow the instructions and recommendations of your dentist or dental hygienist.
For any other questions related to this procedure or any other general, cosmetic or implant dentistry questions you can contact us at 888.790.0309 or feel free to Ask the Dentist.
