What Are Your Treatment Options for Sensitive Teeth? 

Tooth sensitivity can impact your quality of life, keeping you from enjoying many of your favorite foods and interfering with your oral hygiene routines. At Bridget Singh, DDS, we understand the discomfort tooth sensitivity can cause and are here to help. Dr. Singh and her dedicated team will work with you to identify the cause of your discomfort and get you on track to a healthy, pain-free smile. 

What Is Tooth Sensitivity?

When you have sensitive teeth, certain triggers can leave you with sharp pain or discomfort. These may include brushing your teeth, hot or cold temperatures, acidic or sweet foods and drinks, or even a brush with cold air. The discomfort is usually immediate but subsides soon after the cause is removed.

Tooth sensitivity typically happens when you have worn down enamel or exposed tooth roots. Other causes may include tooth decay, broken, chipped, or worn teeth, a damaged filling, gum disease, or gum recession. Using teeth whiteners, brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush, grinding and clenching your teeth, or consuming acidic foods and beverages may also result in tooth sensitivity. 

Medical conditions can sometimes cause tooth sensitivity. For example, Gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD, exposes your teeth to stomach acids. This can cause tooth enamel damage over time, leaving you with sensitive teeth.

What Are Your Treatment Options for Sensitive Teeth? 

The first step in treating tooth sensitivity is scheduling an appointment with Dr. Singh. Our experienced dentist will evaluate your teeth and restorations and check for potential problems like tooth decay, loose fillings, worn teeth, or gum recession. Identifying the source of your pain will ensure prompt treatment. If needed, Dr. Singh may refer you to your primary healthcare provider to check for health conditions that may be causing your tooth sensitivity. 

Depending on your unique concerns, here are some treatment options for tooth sensitivity: 

• Desensitizing Toothpaste: These products are formulated to desensitize your teeth and relieve your discomfort.  
• Fluoride Treatment: In-office fluoride treatments can help strengthen your tooth enamel, reducing your sensitivity. 
• Treating Tooth Damage: If cavities, cracks, or chips are causing your tooth sensitivity, we will recommend prompt treatment to restore your pain-free smile. 
• Replacing Damaged Restorations: If a damaged crown or filling is causing your tooth sensitivity, we may recommend replacing it with new restorations to provide you with the needed relief. 
• Dental Bonding: This conservative procedure involves the use of tooth-colored composite resin bonding material to cover exposed tooth roots, alleviating your discomfort. 
• Gum Graft: If you’ve suffered gum tissue loss, we may recommend a gum graft to cover and protect the exposed tooth roots and reduce your tooth sensitivity. 
• Root Canal Therapy: If all else fails, we may recommend root canal therapy, which is considered the most effective solution for eliminating tooth sensitivity. 

How Can You Lower Your Risk of Tooth Sensitivity? 

Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss daily to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which are two leading causes of tooth sensitivity. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste to avoid damage to your tooth enamel. We also recommend limiting your consumption of acidic foods and drinks, which can erode and destroy your tooth enamel over time. If you grind or clench your teeth, a custom mouthguard can protect your teeth from wear or fracture. 

We encourage you to keep up with your regular dental exams and cleanings. We will treat any oral health concerns in their earliest stages, lowering your risk of tooth sensitivity. At Bridget Singh, DDS, we believe in prevention rather than addressing problems after they develop.

Quality Dental Care in Morrisville and Greensboro

If you’re dealing with tooth sensitivity, our team at Bridget Singh, DDS, is here to help. Dr. Singh will evaluate your unique needs and discuss your options for long-lasting relief. You can always count on our patient-centered team for state-of-the-art, personalized care. We invite you to schedule a consultation by using this link or by calling our office at 206-399-3775.