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Posted on 11/15/2019 by Dr. Jae Seon Kim |
 If you have even chewed up something sugary and felt the jolt of electric-like stinging across your teeth, you aren't alone. Tooth sensitivity is due to the exposure of dentin. This can be lost by bacteria eating away the enamel or from gums receding. Hot or cold beverages become unbearable, while certain other acidic or sweet foods can cause the tooth or teeth to be painful. Teeth Sensitivity ExplainedThe tooth's dentin is many porous tubes that run from the center nerve outward to the exterior of the tooth. Your tooth has a protective layer called enamel, it dulls temperature, acids, and sugars. If you allow plaque to form on the tooth, it eats away the enamel, exposing the dentin. If you experience gum disease, the gums can recede, exposing the dentin below the gum line. Once your teeth have reached this point, it's important to know only a visit to our office and some special tools can stop the decay. Protecting and Rebuilding Your Teeth's ProtectionAfter we have cleaned out your teeth, we may recommend one or all of the following oral precautions. A good desensitizing toothpaste will help block tooth pain as enamel is rebuilt. We may provide fluoride gels at the office and send you home with prescription fluoride to aid in the rejuvenation of protection. Some exposed root surfaces require dental bonding. It is the application of material used for fillings; it covers any exposed root areas, dulling the pain. If your tooth root has lost gum tissue, a small amount can be removed from another area of your mouth, and stitched over the root. If the above treatments don't work, a root canal can deaden the sensitivity of the root, protecting it from infection and eliminating pain. If you're experiencing tooth sensitivity, it's important you contact us as soon as possible. We may avoid invasive procedures if the decay is caught soon enough. We can treat and send you home with the tools required to alleviate some or all of the sensitivity that is causing problems with your teeth. |
