Help for sensitive teeth. - Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Teeth become sensitive when the inner layer of dentin is exposed. The dentin, which is the layer surrounding the tooth’s nerve functions as a warning system. There are several reasons why our teeth become sensitive some are transient and some permanent. Usually the transient sensitivity happens when we have rapid changes in temperatures in the mouth, like when we have ice cream or very hot coffee. These temporary episodes of sensitivity can be prevented by using a desensitizing tooth paste like Sensodyne or Colgate Sensitive. On the other hand permanent hypersensitivity, may require treatment since it indicates that there is a persistent damage to the dentin and tooth structure. The first step in establishing the reason for the sensitivity begins with a thorough examination. Since the reasons your teeth may become sensitive vary and include:

Depending on what is causing the sensitivity I can treat it for example:

For acid erosion we can recommend you a desensitizing paste like toothmousse, which contains ingredients that seal off the microtubules inside the exposed dentin and reduce tooth sensitivity
For small lesions of decay we can prescribe you a fluoride gel, which strengthens compromised tooth enamel, helps prevent tooth decay, and decreases hypersensitivity of the teeth.
If there is a cavity we need to remove the affected dentin and enamel and restore the tooth with a composite restoration.
If gum tissue has been lost from the root a surgical gum graft can be made toill protect the root and reduce sensitivity.
If the tooth pulp have been severely affected by the bacteria and it has perished you may need to undergo a root canal to eliminate the problem.

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Kaufman or to call today Tooronga Family Dentistry, phone number 98227006, to avoid the need for more complicated treatment.