Have you ever drank tea or ate ice cream, and had an unexpected level of discomfort? If you answered yes to this question, you are not alone. Many people have experienced what is known as tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity, also known as dentin hypersensitivity, is when dentin (the inner layer of the tooth) becomes exposed. After this exposure, there is a pain present as a response to hot and cold temperatures that come in contact with the teeth. This can be a momentary feeling or a chronic issue. Multiple, one singular tooth, or all of the teeth of an individual may be affected as well. There are a range of reasons why dentin hypersensitivity occurs, with numerous treatments available for this condition.
Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity
Dentin hypersensitivity is the teeth’s response to different triggers, which is usually an ache or pain. This pain can be felt mainly at the root of the tooth. The typical inducers of tooth sensitivity are:
- Hot, cold, acidic and sugary foods & beverages
- Cold water
- Cold air
- Brushing and flossing teeth
- Mouthwashes that are alcohol based
Some other probable causes for why this sensation is present are:
- Broken teeth
- Gum disease
- Enamel that is worn
- Fillings that are worn
- Cavities (tooth decay)
- Exposure of the tooth root
Under the enamel, there is a layer of hard tissue called dentin. When the enamel wears away, the nerves are unprotected from the triggers mentioned previously.
Treatments for Tooth Sensitivity
Your Dental Made Easy dentist will be able to help you by providing you a variety of options to combat tooth sensitivity. Depending on the cause of your sensitivity, one of these solutions may be suggested to you:
- Fluoride gel: This treatment is used in the office. The gel strengthens the enamel on the teeth. With stronger teeth, the sensation is minimalized and the pain is reduced.
- Desensitizing toothpaste: One of the properties within this toothpaste blocks sensations from reaching the tooth’s root. With repeated use, sensitivity is decreased over time.
- Crowns, Inlays, or Bonding: These are great solutions to remedy any decay that is present on the tooth.
- Surgical gum graft: Grafts help in protecting the root of the tooth and lessening sensitivity by repairing gum tissue. Gum tissue is taken from another area and secured to that area.
- Root canal: This is viewed as one of the best solutions for tooth sensitivity as it removes the nerves from the tooth. Taking out the nerves ultimately should eliminate the problem.
If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity and would like to know what your options are, contact us at Dental Made Easy!
Your Dental Health
When it comes to your health, trust in the dentists at Dental Made Easy. Dental Made Easy has the best dental practices in New York City and we are open on Sundays as well as late evenings. All of our dental offices are open and accepting new patients at this time. We are rated among the top dental practices in New York, NY with numerous 5-star reviews on Google, Yelp, and Facebook. For a teeth cleaning or exam, we recommend calling or booking an appointment online with one of our talented dental professionals. All new patients may also take advantage of our $149 Cleaning Special that includes an exam and x-rays of our Free Dental Implant Consultation Special.
To set up your appointment give us a call at (844) 979-EASY (3279). We have offices in Forest Hills, Queens, Little Caribbean, Brooklyn and Garden City, Long Island. Walk-ins welcomed, we take emergencies and we are open on late nights to accommodate patients with a busy schedule. We hope to see you soon!
