Treatment Options For Tooth Sensitivity

Book an Appointment Call Now

October 10, 2016

Tooth sensitivity is due to the exposure of dentin, the part of the tooth which covers the nerve, either through loss of the enamel layer or recession of the gums. Temperature changes and certain foods (acidic or sweet) can cause the tooth or teeth to be painful. The pain usually subsides after a short period of time.

The dentin contains a large numbers of pores or tubes that run from the outside of the tooth to the nerve in the center. When the dentin is exposed, these tubes can be stimulated by changes in temperature or certain foods. Here is an image of what the dentin tubes look like under the microscope:

dentineThe best way to find out why a tooth is sensitive is to have dental professional examine you. They can look for the signs of dentin exposure, and run tests to determine what the true cause of the sensitivity is. Sometimes, the sensitivity is due to a cavity or gum disease – these can be treated to address the sensitivity. Other times, the cause of the sensitivity is because the enamel has been lost through abrasion or erosion, or the gums have receded, causing the roots to be exposed.

What Can Be Done?

If the sensitivity is due to a cavity, a restoration can be placed. If gum disease is the cause, the dental professional can perform a thorough cleaning of the area.

However, if the cause is from dentin being exposed, then there are a number of professional and at home treatments that can be used to reduce the sensitivity.

In Office Procedures:

    • Fluoride varnish can be applied to exposed areas, strengthening the enamel and dentin
    • Fluoride foam or gel can be placed into a mouth tray; you then sit with this in your mouth for 3-5 minutes, providing the teeth with a high concentration of fluoride to strengthen the areas
    • Bonding agent, the material used to stick tooth colored restorations to teeth, can be used to seal the dentin surface and provide a barrier to the stimuli that cause sensitivity

At Home:

    • Use a very soft bristle tooth brush, with low abrasive tooth paste
    • Brush correctly and do not over brush
    • Use a tooth paste specially formulated to soothe the nerve endings in the tooth
    • Use a high concentration fluoride toothpaste (given to you by the dental professional) to strengthen the tooth surface

There are a number of treatments available, and your dental professional in Hollywood, FL can help you find those that will work best, depending on your situation. Always seek a dental professional's help – do not try to diagnose this problem yourself. It may be the sign of something more serious, and only a dental professional can tell you what it really is.

colgate.com

RELATED Acidic Foods Can Contribute to Teeth Sensitivity 

Back to Press Center

Testimonials

Let me start by saying Dr Gorbatov is amazing, a true credit to the art of dentistry. He is a perfectionist and his assistant Lidi is amazing also in her... Read more

Keith Miller

First visit with the Dentist recommended by a friend. Dentist was helpful and staff was friendly. Clean office . Doctor is gentle and knowledgeable.

Fetta Republic

Great service Knowledgeable doctor Friendly staff 5+ stars!! Someone hacked into my account and gave false review. Not me!!! Outstanding service @ Dr Gorbatov Dentistry!!!!

Ellen Zlobinskiy (Hallandale Beach, FL)

Every time I visit its always a pleasant experience, the employees are welcoming and the service is outstanding. Its the only dentist i recommend to my friends and family

Alejandro Figueredo

A wonderful place where professionals work! They found the problem in a minute and immediately helped with its solution👍🏻

Евгения Салабута

One of the best dental offices in my life. Very professional and cordial staff from the front desk to the dentistry team.

Вадик-Ванадик Vadik-Vanadik

Dr Gorbatov is the best dentist, hands down! First, he has the rarest skill for virtually painless anesthesia, which is huge deal for someone who is afraid of shots, like... Read more

Iryana Tsyrina

Dr. Gorbatov and staff are WONDERFUL! Highly skilled, innovative, up to date with the most updated technology. The entire staff is warm, friendly, kind, and extremely helpful. I came across... Read more

Dr. Dee

Well I’ve been going to Dr. Gorbatov since 1996.... Yes ! I’m a loyal. With all the dental issues I’ve had, he’s been able to resolve them and been keeping... Read more

Burke Crump (Wellington, FL)

I had an amazing experience with Dr Gorbatov and his excellent staff. I went to him for a second opinion and he told me I did not need any work... Read more

James Borelli

Book an Appointment
Skip to content

Appointment







Fill out email and/or message