If you find that it is becoming painfully uncomfortable every time you bite into an ice cream or drink a hot beverage, you may be feeling the effects of sensitive teeth. There are several potential causes for the condition ranging from cavities, fractured teeth, loss of tooth enamel, or exposed roots from receding gum lines.
Unless it has worn down, healthy teeth are supposed to have a sufficient coat of enamel covering the crown (the part of the tooth that appears above the gum line) to protect the tooth nerves from feeling hot or cold temperatures. At the gum line, enamel stops and a material called cementum takes over to protect the root. Cementum isn’t as strong as enamel, and if your root appears above the gums, that could be your problem. In this case, you’ll want to make an appointment with your dentist to discuss ways of treating gum disease.
Don’t despair if you are having these issues. We have ways to treat teeth that have become sensitive. Of course, it requires that we pinpoint the cause. Once discovered, we may recommend one of the following courses of action:
-Root canal: If severe enough that the pain cannot be addressed any other way.
-Gum graft: Replacing tissue that has been lost and covers an exposed root.
-Gel fluoride: To strengthen tooth enamel.
-Special toothpaste: To block transmission and desensitize tooth nerves.
-A crown, inlay or bonding: To remove decay and/or correct a flaw
If you’d like more information about treating sensitive teeth, call Dr. Richard Cavallaro and our team at Lemon Grove Dental Group, Inc. Make an appointment at: 619-569-1925, or come by our office in Lemon Grove, California.