Teeth can become sensitive for variety of reasons. There could be some underlying pathology and infection causing the sensitivity. The Dentist would first gather necessary information such as patient’s medical and dental history, take necessary Xray radiograph and perform clinical exam to screen for any pathology. The tooth might have cavity, infection or defect causing the sensitivity. The tooth can be sensitive to cold, hot, palpation and/or percussion. If there is pathology, Dr would have to treat the pathology and repair the defect.
However, if there is no pathology, teeth can still become sensitive because there is some combination of external stimuli and internal anatomy of the tooth causing such sensitivity. The teeth might have wider dental tubules allowing external stimuli to stimulate the nerve ending within the tooth. Dentinal tubules are small microscope channels scatter across the enamel of the tooth extending from the pulp to the exterior surface. External stimuli, such as cold and hot temperature, can pass thru these dentinal tubules to the interior nerve pulp of the tooth.
There are non-surgical ways to treat the sensitive teeth if there are no other dental pathologies. Fluoride and potassium nitrate within the special fluoride toothpaste can help alleviate the sensitivity. Fluoride can strengthen the tooth by remineralization of the enamel and it also works by plugging up the dentinal tubules so that external stimuli is less likely to pass thru the tubules to cause irritation to the internal nerve pulp. Potassium nitrate can enter into the dentinal tubules and create soothing effect. In the dental office, dentist can apply fluoride varnish on the tooth and fluoride is allowed to penetrate into the tooth for protection.
Written by Daniel Tee, DDS, MS
Dental Office in Tempe AZ
Practicing Family Dentist Serving the city of Tempe, Chandler, Phoenix, Gilbert, and Mesa in Arizona.
