If you are suffering from sensitive teeth, it is most likely because your enamel has been eroded or the roots of your teeth have been exposed. While the gnawing and uncomfortable pain of sensitive teeth can often be lessened by switching to desensitizing toothpastes or reducing acid consumption, sometimes sensitive teeth can only be adequately treated in the dentist’s office. Here are the four main dental procedures and treatments that can help to combat sensitive teeth.
Fluoride Application
If fluoride varnish is applied to the sensitive teeth in your mouth, this can help to reduce some of the pain and discomfort by strengthening your enamel and dentin. The same goal can be accomplished by having your dentist apply a fluoride gel to your mouth for five minutes.
Covering Root Surfaces
If you have receding gums due to age or a persistent case of gum disease, sensitive teeth will often develop because of root exposure. If you have sensitive teeth because of exposed roots, bonding agents can be a very good solution. In this type of case, your dentist will help you by using a particular sealant to cover the area that is causing you to experience pain (i.e. the tooth root that has become exposed), sealing the surfaces and thereby blocking exposure to the causes of sensitive teeth.
Making a Mouth Guard
If you are suffering from sensitive teeth because of bruxism (i.e. grinding your teeth, often while you sleep), your dentist can make a model of your teeth and then use this to produce a mouth guard that you can wear during the night. By protecting your teeth from pressure and damage, this mouth guard can be highly effective at reducing the pain caused by sensitive teeth. It will also treat pain in the jaw joint.
Root Canal Treatment
If all else fails and it is thought that your sensitive teeth are seriously undermining your quality of life, your dentist may decide that you are a suitable candidate for root canal treatment. This procedure can effectively compensate for sensitive teeth by removing the soft pulp inside the tooth.
