If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, the first step is to visit your dentist. They will identify the underlying cause and provide treatment accordingly.
You can also try to reduce sensitivity by brushing your teeth more gently, and wearing a mouthguard at night to prevent grinding. If these at-home treatments do not help, your dentist may recommend a range of in-office sensitivity treatment:
Desensitizing toothpaste
Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common dental problems. It can affect people of all ages and is usually the result of worn enamel or gum recession. Fortunately, there are many solutions available for this issue. These include desensitizing toothpaste and other home treatments. You can also visit your dentist for a full oral exam.
Desensitizing toothpaste contains ingredients that shield nerve endings in your mouth from irritants like hot and cold foods and sugar. The most important ingredient is potassium nitrate, which blocks pain signals from reaching the brain. You can find this type of toothpaste in most drugstores. It is recommended that you use it twice daily to build up a protective layer on your teeth.
This study compared three different desensitizing toothpastes: potassium salt, herbal desensitizing paste containing natural ingredients, and arginine-containing toothpaste 8% for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity. The results showed that all desensitizing toothpastes reduced the pain caused by tactile, air and cold stimuli in patients with hypersensitivity. However, the potassium salt and arginine-containing toothpastes were more effective than the herbal desensitizing paste.
While using a desensitizing toothpaste can help you overcome tooth sensitivity, it is not a permanent solution. If you continue to experience pain, it is likely an indicator of a larger problem that requires attention from your dentist. If you experience swelling of your gums or extreme pain, you should visit a dentist as soon as possible.
Fluoride treatments
A quick and affordable way to treat tooth sensitivity is with fluoride treatments. This treatment involves applying a highly concentrated gel or foam to the surface of your teeth, and it only takes a few minutes to apply. The fluoride is absorbed into the enamel, and it strengthens the sensitive areas of your teeth. This will also make them more resistant to acid erosion from bacteria and food particles.
Tooth sensitivity can be caused by several factors, including brushing too aggressively, damage to the enamel, and genetics. These conditions can cause the outer layer of the teeth to become weakened and expose the nerves inside to hot or cold temperatures, leading to pain and discomfort. Fluoride treatments can help remineralize these weakened areas, and they will also protect the roots of your teeth from acid erosion.
Fluoride is a natural mineral that is found in many foods and water sources. It is essential for the formation of healthy teeth and bones, and it helps to prevent dental problems like cavities and gum disease. It can also be used topically to reduce sensitivity, and it works by strengthening the outer layer of the teeth. A dentist can apply a fluoride varnish to the sensitive area of the teeth, and it usually provides relief on the same day. Moreover, the varnish is safe to use and does not require any dietary restrictions.
Root canals
If you are experiencing sensitivity, you should take care to brush and floss regularly to prevent further enamel erosion. Additionally, you should avoid acidic and sugary foods to minimize damage to your teeth. A root canal is a great option for people with sensitive teeth, as it can eliminate the pain caused by inflamed tooth pulp. Your Houston dentist will first numb the area with a local anesthetic before removing the infected tissue. Once the tooth is free of infection, your dentist will clean and fill it before putting in a crown or filling to protect it.
It’s normal to experience sensitivity in your tooth after a root canal, but it should go away once the tissue has healed. If the sensitivity persists, it may be a sign of other problems, such as a damaged or missing filling or tooth decay. Those symptoms will require treatment by your endodontist or dentist.
If you are suffering from sensitivity after root canal surgery, you should make an appointment with your dentist right away. They will take X-rays to make sure that the tooth is healing properly and that there are no complications. In addition, they will check if your temporary filling is higher than the tooth’s original surface. If this is the case, it can cause the sensitivity when you bite or apply pressure.
Gum grafts
Gum grafts can be used to repair gum recession, and they will cover the exposed roots of your teeth to reduce sensitivity and prevent further damage. The procedure involves taking tissue from another part of your mouth or a cadaver and grafting it onto the gums where there is little to no coverage.
Before the procedure, it’s important to let your dentist know about any medications you take or health conditions you have, since they may need to modify your treatment plan. You should also arrange for someone to drive you home afterward since you’ll probably be given medications that make it unsafe to operate a vehicle.
The surgery itself is relatively quick and painless, although you’ll need to eat soft foods for a few weeks to avoid damaging the graft. You’ll also need to avoid smoking and strenuous activity for a period of time. If you follow these instructions, your gums will heal successfully.
During the healing process, you’ll need to brush and floss carefully around the surgical site. You may notice that the grafted gum is a different color at first, but it will eventually blend into your natural gum tone over time. Your surgeon will need to check on your progress periodically until he or she is sure that the site has healed fully.