It’s not bad to be sensitive, if you are person. But it’s not so great to be sensitive if you are a tooth! Sensitive teeth make it hard to enjoy hot and cold foods, and can send a shiver up your spine, or an aching twinge to your head at the most inconvenient moments. Sometimes, tooth sensitivity is due to thinned enamel allowing hot and cold sensations to be transmitted to sensitive inner tooth structures. In other cases, unconscious habits such as bruxism can damage tooth surfaces and increase sensitivity.
FAQ #1: Why is This Happening to Me?
Your regularly scheduled exams and cleanings are an excellent time to discuss tooth sensitivity with your dentist. It is not always possible to pinpoint a reason for increasing sensitivity to heat and cold. On the other hand, we may be able to offer insights into behaviors that are detrimental to your teeth.
FAQ #2: Is The Sensitivity Curable?
In many cases, your dentist can help you alleviate sensitivity. There are different remedies for different causes of sensitivity. Some of these include:
If your dentist determines you have thinned enamel, you may find relief with an over-the-counter toothpaste for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes work in different ways, for example by desensitizing the nerve, or by adding a chemical that bonds with tooth enamel, to make it harder for temperature changes to be transmitted to the inner tooth.
If the pressures of teeth grinding (bruxism) are causing sensitivity, a dental appliance can help alleviate the problem.
Gum inflammation or disease may cause gums to recede, exposing the sensitive teeth roots. Once gum disease is addressed, sealants may be used to protect the exposed roots. In some cases, the gums may be able to regrow and protect the roots adequately after time.
FAQ #3: Will I Lose A Sensitive Tooth?
If a single tooth has become sensitive, it may indicate an internal issue, such as a crack, or that a cavity is in progress. If caught early, these issues can be addressed with restorative treatments such as a filling. In some cases, if the problem has progressed without treatment, a crown may be required to support the tooth, or root canal treatment may be required. Extraction is the choice of last resort, when a tooth cannot be saved.
Don’t Let Tooth Sensitivity Questions Keep You Up at Night
Don’t ignore tooth sensitivity. Finding solutions means you will be more comfortable, and your teeth will get the care they need. Give us a call in Moreno Valley, CA to schedule a consultation with your dentist. We are proud to serve patients from Riverside, Temecula, Moreno Valley, Corona, and all surrounding California communities. To schedule an appointment, contact one of the following locations nearest to you:
Riverside Dental Group at Magnolia in Riverside, CA at (951) 689-5031.
Dental Associates of Moreno Valley in Moreno Valley, CA at (951) 697-6800.
Riverside Dental Group at Woodcrest in Riverside, CA at (951) 776-9001.
Oasis Family Dental in Temecula, CA at (951) 695-2290.
Dental Associates of Riverside in Riverside, CA at (951) 369-1001.
Dental Associates of Corona in Corona, CA at (951) 273-9580.
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