Tooth Desensitization

What Types of Treatments are Used for Tooth Desensitization?

For people who have sensitive teeth, normal activities like brushing and flossing and eating and drinking can mean sharp pain in their teeth. Even though the pain is temporary most of the time, it can be very uncomfortable. In most cases, sensitive teeth are due to worn enamel or exposed roots. However, there can be other causes for this discomfort including a tooth that has a chip, crack or cavity. It can also be the result of a recent filling or other dental procedure like bleaching. Talk to your dentist to discover the underlying cause of tooth pain.

What types of treatments are available for tooth desensitization?

Depending on the cause of tooth sensitivity, the dentist may recommend a treatment for tooth desensitization. He may suggest any of these methods he feels will be effective for your particular circumstance:

• Desensitizing Toothpastes – If sensitivity is mild, the dentist may recommend a toothpaste which desensitizes the teeth. It may take a few applications before the pain is totally blocked.
• Fluoride – The dentist might suggest an application of fluoride to those areas of your teeth that are the most sensitive. He might also suggest using prescription fluoride.
• Bonding – Sometimes, the surface of a root that becomes exposed can be the cause. The dentist may apply bonding resin to those sensitive areas to alleviate the pain.
• Gum Graft – If the tooth has lost some of the gum tissue, the dentist may suggest a gum graft. This procedure will take gum tissue from another area of the mouth and attach it to the affected area.
• Root Canal Therapy – If other methods are not effective, the dentist might recommend a root canal to treat the soft core of the tooth. This can often be the most effective option.