Tooth sensitivity can impact your smile and quality of life, interfering with your oral hygiene routines and keeping you from enjoying many of the foods you love. At TKO Dentistry, we understand how uncomfortable tooth sensitivity can be and are here to provide you with lasting relief. Dr. Maria Wytko and her patient-centered team will identify and treat the underlying causes of your symptoms, helping restore your healthy, pain-free smile.
What Is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity often results in sharp pain or discomfort in response to certain triggers, such as sweet or acidic foods and drinks, hot or cold temperatures, brushing your teeth, or even breathing in cold air. The discomfort is typically immediate but resolves soon after the trigger is removed.
What Are the Causes of Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity typically develops due to tooth enamel erosion or damage that exposes the underlying layer known as dentin. Inside the dentin are microscopic channels known as tubules, which are pathways to the nerves. These tubules can become exposed due to dental decay, tooth fracture, gum recession, or damaged restorations, causing the nerves to become easily triggered by stimuli.
Additional factors that can cause tooth enamel damage and exacerbate your tooth sensitivity include aggressive tooth brushing, using a hard-bristled toothbrush, grinding and clenching your teeth (bruxism), or consuming acidic foods and beverages. Some medical conditions can also lead to tooth sensitivity, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which exposes the teeth to stomach acid, eroding the tooth enamel over time.
How Is Tooth Sensitivity Treated?
Dr. Wytko may recommend one or a combination of the following treatment options to relieve your tooth sensitivity:
- Treating Tooth Damage: If your sensitivity is the result of cavities, cracks, or chips, Dr. Wytko will recommend prompt treatment for lasting relief.
- Replacing Damaged Restorations: Replacing damaged fillings or crowns can often relieve your tooth sensitivity.
- Fluoride Treatment: Fluoride treatments can help reduce tooth sensitivity in some cases.
- Desensitizing Toothpaste: Desensitizing toothpastes are formulated to block pain signals, helping reduce your discomfort.
- Dental Bonding: This conservative treatment involves placing tooth-colored composite resin bonding material on exposed tooth roots, which helps alleviate your sensitivity.
- Gum Grafting: If gum recession or tissue loss is the cause of your sensitivity, we may recommend a gum graft to cover your exposed tooth roots and restore your natural gum line.
- Root Canal Therapy: If other treatments do not relieve your discomfort, root canal therapy offers a highly effective solution for eliminating tooth sensitivity.
How Can You Lower Your Risk of Tooth Sensitivity?
The following are some ways you can help prevent tooth sensitivity:
- Make sure to brush and floss regularly to reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, two leading causes of tooth sensitivity.
- Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste to prevent tooth enamel damage.
- Limit your consumption of acidic foods and drinks, which can erode and damage your tooth enamel over time.
- If you grind your teeth in your sleep, wearing a custom night guard can lower the risk of tooth wear or fracture.
- Keeping up with your twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings helps prevent the onset or progression of dental problems, reducing your risk of tooth sensitivity.
Tooth Sensitivity Treatment Near Me in North Scottsdale, AZ
Contact TKO Dentistry to learn more about preventing and treating tooth sensitivity. Dr. Wytko will uncover the source of your discomfort and create a personalized treatment plan to provide you with lasting relief. You can always count on our dedicated team for compassionate care that exceeds your expectations.
We invite you to call us at (480) 896-7888 to schedule an appointment or follow this link to request one today! We look forward to caring for all your family’s dental needs.
