Does the thought of your favorite ice cream or a hot bowl of soup make you uncomfortable? Tooth sensitivity can leave you dodging hot or cold foods and beverages, or even sweet treats. At Dental Care of Madison, we are dedicated to uncovering the underlying causes of your discomfort to provide you with lasting relief.
Tooth sensitivity typically develops when the porous layer under the tooth enamel, known as the dentin, becomes exposed. Inside the dentin are tiny channels known as tubules, which provide a pathway to the nerves. If tooth chips, deep decay, tooth wear, gum recession, or damaged restorations expose the dentin, the nerves are easily triggered by stimuli like hot and cold temperatures, sugary or acidic foods or beverages, alcohol-based mouth rinses, or simply brushing or flossing your teeth.
Some people naturally have thin enamel, increasing their risk of tooth sensitivity. Additional risk factors for tooth sensitivity include vigorous tooth brushing, teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism), or regular consumption of acidic foods and beverages. Some medical conditions can also exacerbate tooth sensitivity, like GERD, which exposes your teeth to stomach acids, wearing them over time.
Our team at Dental Care of Madison will uncover the underlying causes of your tooth sensitivity and create a personalized treatment plan to provide you with lasting relief. Here are some ways we restore healthy, pain-free smiles:
- Restorative Dentistry: Any tooth cracks, chips, cavities, or damaged dental work that may be causing your sensitivity will need to be addressed. We may recommend a restorative dentistry solution like a filling or crown to relieve your discomfort.
- Fluoride Treatment: If tooth decay is the cause of your tooth sensitivity, in-office fluoride treatment can help. Aside from lowering the risk of cavities, fluoride has been shown to reduce sensitivity by remineralizing the tooth enamel.
- Dental Bonding: If exposed root surfaces are causing your tooth sensitivity, we may recommend dental bonding. Applying a tooth-colored composite resin to your exposed tooth root surfaces helps cover your tooth roots, safeguarding your teeth and alleviating your discomfort.
- Gum Graft: Gum recession or gum tissue loss can lead to tooth sensitivity and pain. We may recommend a gum graft to protect your exposed tooth roots and reduce your discomfort.
- Custom Night Splint: If you grind or clench your teeth in your sleep, a condition known as bruxism, we may recommend a custom night splint. The oral appliance can help prevent further tooth damage, wear, or sensitivity, relieving your discomfort.
- Root Canal Therapy: If tooth sensitivity is causing severe discomfort and no other treatments help, we may recommend root canal therapy. Removing the tooth’s inner pulp and nerves is considered one of the most effective ways to eliminate tooth sensitivity.
- Treating Medical Conditions: If underlying health conditions contribute to your tooth sensitivity, we may refer you to your healthcare provider for treatment. For example, getting GERD under control can help prevent further damage to your tooth enamel, lowering your risk of future tooth sensitivity.
Contact Dental Care of Madison to learn more about treating tooth sensitivity. Our dedicated dentists and team will uncover the cause of your discomfort and get you on track to long-lasting relief. Call us at (601) 898-9390 to schedule an appointment or request one online today!
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