Conquer Tooth Sensitivity: Discover Effective Treatments for Lasting Relief
If a cold drink or a gust of chilly air sends a sharp pain through your teeth, you’re not alone — nearly 40 million Americans experience tooth sensitivity every year. The most common culprits? Hot or cold drinks, cold air, and even brushing your teeth.
Tooth sensitivity can take the joy out of life’s simple pleasures. But you don’t have to live with that discomfort. If you’re experiencing ongoing sensitivity in Washington, Utah, schedule a visit with Dr. David Brown or Dr. Jacob Jennings at Cotton Creek Dental. We’ll help you find relief so you can get back to enjoying life without hesitation.
Why are my teeth sensitive?
Sensitive teeth can feel like a sudden, sharp, or tingling pain that shoots through your teeth when exposed to specific triggers. Depending on the severity of the sensitivity, the pain can be mild and brief or more intense and lingering.
Here are the common causes of tooth sensitivity:
- Dental infection: Irritated nerves in the tooth’s pulp chamber can cause intense sensitivity, especially when consuming cold and hot foods.
- Cracked or broken teeth: Tooth damage can expose the sensitive dentine and pulp chamber, resulting in heightened sensitivity.
- Recent teeth whitening experience: Teeth whitening can increase tooth sensitivity or “zings” but typically wear off after a few days.
- Teeth grinding: Chronic teeth grinding wears down the enamel, exposing the sensitive layers underneath.
- Eroded enamel: Several factors can cause your enamel to wear down over time, including acidic foods, aggressive brushing, and wear and tear.
- Recent dental procedure: You’ll likely experience mild sensitivity after a veneer, crown, or filling treatment. However, this sensitivity resolves itself within a few days or weeks.
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD): Acid from the stomach up the esophagus can deteriorate the enamel over time.
- Gum recession: When gum tissues pull away (recede) from teeth, they expose the roots of the teeth, and sensitivity is inevitable. Several causes of gum recession include periodontal disease, overzealous brushing, tobacco use, etc.
While cold air or a sweet treat might trigger your sensitivity, they aren’t the root cause. That’s where we come in. Our dentists will carefully diagnose the source of your discomfort and create a personalized treatment plan to relieve your pain and restore your oral health.
Don’t let tooth sensitivity hold you back — relief is just a call away!
How are sensitive teeth treated?
Several at-home and professional treatments can provide relief for sensitive teeth. Depending on the cause of tooth sensitivity, treatment can involve:
- Desensitizing toothpaste: These products contain ingredients that block the transmission of sensation from the enamel to the nerves.
- Dental crown/bonding: When teeth are damaged, repairing them with a crown or tooth-colored filling can manage pain and sensitivity. The dentist can also use a composite filling to cover black triangles caused by gum recession.
- Root canal treatment: If harmful bacteria have infected the pulp chamber, a root canal is the sure way to resolve sensitivity. The procedure involves flushing out the infected tissues and restoring the tooth with a crown or filling.
- Surgical gum grafting: Extreme cases of gum recession require gum grafting to cover the exposed areas. If gum disease is the underlying cause, it must be treated first to ensure sustainable outcomes.
No more sensitive teeth!
Tooth sensitivity can make enjoying your favorite foods and drinks difficult. Schedule a consultation with Cotton Creek Dental to find lasting relief for sensitive teeth. Call (435) 673-4605 to book your visit today!
