Solutions for Sensitive Teeth

Is the taste of ice cream or a sip of hot coffee sometimes a painful experience for you? Does brushing or flossing make you wince occasionally? If so, you may have sensitive teeth.

At Capitol Smiles, your oral health is our top priority. Our skilled professionals are experts in the treatment of sensitive teeth, which often have underlying causes that must be addressed first – including tooth decay, fractured teeth, worn fillings, gum disease and exposed tooth root.

In healthy teeth, a layer of enamel protects the crowns of your teeth—the part above the gum line. Father down is dentin, a calcified bodily tissue that is protected by the tooth’s enamel. When dentin loses its protective covering, hot, cold, acidic and/or sticky foods reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth, resulting in hypersensitivity.

The good news is that sensitive teeth can be treated. The type of treatment will depend on what is causing the sensitivity. At Concerned Dental Care, we may suggest one of a variety of treatments:

• Desensitizing toothpaste. This contains compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve.
• Fluoride gel. An in-office technique which strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the transmission of sensations.
• A crown, inlay or bonding. These may be used to correct a flaw or decay that results in sensitivity.
• Surgical gum graft. If gum tissue has been lost from the root, this will protect the root and reduce sensitivity.
• Root canal. If sensitivity is severe and persistent and cannot be treated by other means, we may recommend this treatment to eliminate the problem.

Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing sensitive-tooth pain. At  Capitol Smiles, we take pride in providing you and your family with the professional, personalized service you deserve. 

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call our office today!