Tooth Sensitivity Management
Florence, AL
 Does brushing and flossing trigger discomfort? If you experience pain or tingling sensations, you might be dealing with sensitive teeth.
A staggering 45 million Americans grapple with this issue, with one in every five adults affected. Tooth sensitivity peaks notably between the ages of 25 and 30 years. That is why Singing River Dentistry works hard to help our patients deal with the issue of sensitivity from its core.
Request an Appointment
What Causes Sensitive Teeth and How Can I Treat Them?
Teeth sensitivity is primarily caused by nerve stimulation. Stimulation of the nerves inside the tooth can result in a range of sensations, from general discomfort to a sudden, intense shooting pain that reaches deep into the nerve endings of your teeth.
To put it in perspective, we must understand the tooth anatomy. A tough layer of enamel shields the crowns of your teeth, while a layer of cementum safeguards the tooth root beneath the gum line. Acting as a protective barrier, gum tissue covers the tooth roots.
Beneath the enamel or cementum lies the dentin, a porous layer with small openings known as tubules or channels. Each tubule houses a nerve extending from the tooth pulp, the central mass of blood vessels and nerves within the tooth.
When the dentin loses its protective shield and becomes exposed, it can lead to hypersensitivity and discomfort when consuming cold drinks, hot foods, sweet or sour foods, or even when breathing through your mouth.
Sensitivity can be prevented by maintaining good oral hygiene. In most cases, sensitivity simply means deteriorated hygiene. Observe proper brushing and flossing. Flossing stands as a crucial element of your oral hygiene regimen.
By preventing the accumulation of plaque, flossing helps ward off gum disease, receding gums, soreness, and tooth sensitivity. Considering that 80 percent of sensitivity originates at the gum line, maintaining gum health is vital for promoting a healthier smile.
What Services Do You Offer at Singing River Dentistry to Help With Sensitive Teeth?
Singing River Dentistry addresses all the root causes of dental sensitivity. We offer a wide range of services that will restore your tooth strength and ward off sensitivity. These services include fluoride treatment, dental bonding, and root canals.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatments usually consist of professional applications with a concentrated fluoride content administered by a dentist or hygienist. Their purpose is to enhance dental health and lower the chances of cavities. These treatments, carried out in the office, can come in the form of a solution, gel, foam, or varnish.
Dental Bonding
A classic solution for individuals experiencing mild abrasion or root exposure is dental bonding. This involves using a tooth-colored material, similar to white dental fillings, which is applied directly onto the tooth surface and then hardened in position using a special light.
Bonding, akin to fillings, can endure for numerous years. While it does not address the root cause of gum recession, in certain instances, it effectively conceals the visible signs of root exposure.
The longevity of bonding materials depends on various factors, including your oral habits and the total sum of teeth treated. Bonding treatments can last between three and ten years before requiring touch-ups or replacement.
Root Canal
A root canal is a dental treatment utilized to address infections located at the center of a tooth. This treatment is not painful and can preserve a tooth that might otherwise require complete removal.
To address the infection within the root canal, it is necessary to eliminate the bacteria. This can be achieved through either removing the bacteria from the root or extracting the tooth. However, extraction is typically not recommended, as preserving as many natural teeth as possible is preferred.
Before undergoing root canal treatment, a local anesthetic is usually administered. This ensures that the procedure should be painless and no more uncomfortable than getting a filling.
Once the bacteria are removed, the root canal is filled, and the tooth is sealed with a crown. In most instances, the inflamed tissue surrounding the tooth will naturally heal.
Root canal treatment tends to be successful. Approximately 9 out of 10 cases result in the tooth surviving for up to 10 years following the treatment.
FAQs
Tooth sensitivity can be terribly painful and a situation that troubles many. Those who suffer from it come to us with various questions. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about tooth sensitivity.
Can Tooth Sensitivity Be Fixed?
Yes, although most dentists only tend to deal with the symptoms, tooth sensitivity can be solved by root canal treatment.
This procedure is used to address issues in the soft core of the tooth, known as the dental pulp. Although it may seem like a significant treatment, it is regarded as the most effective method for getting rid of tooth sensitivity.
How Do You Reduce Tooth Sensitivity?
Your dentist could use fluoride on the sensitive parts of your teeth to strengthen the enamel and lessen pain. They may also recommend using prescription fluoride at home, applied with a custom tray.
How Can I Numb My Tooth Nerve At Home?
It is not recommended to use shortcut methods to treat sensitivity at home. However, some dental hygiene options may be helpful. Some of the ways to numb your teeth include using desensitizing toothpaste, brushing, and flossing. Proper dental hygiene goes a long way in ensuring solid teeth.
Desensitizing Toothpaste
These products contain ingredients that can block the pain sensors in your mouth, which are sensitive to heat, cold, and sugar. With regular use over a few weeks, these ingredients can help the nerves in your teeth develop a mild resistance to triggers that cause sensitivity.
Brushing and Flossing Tips for Sensitive Teeth
Avoid brushing too vigorously or too often, as this can lead to gum recession and sensitivity. When brushing, use desensitizing toothpaste, which is designed specifically to treat sensitive teeth.
What Can you Do for Unbearable Tooth Pain
If you have tried all of the above and your pain is still unbearable, you should see a dentist. Tooth sensitivity is often an indication of a deeper underlying issue. Visit us in Florence, AL for toothache diagnosis and treatment.
Schedule a Visit to Your Florence, AL Dentist!
There are many ways to manage tooth sensitivity. They range from personal home remedies to prescriptions and dental treatments. At Singing River Dentistry, we are ready to help you completely end the issue of sensitivity. If you want to get rid of sensitivity permanently, call us at 256-712-3549 to book an appointment.
Request an Appointment
|
