When you suffer from tooth sensitivity, it’s not always easy to figure out the cause of the problem. What is important is making sure you see your Chandler dentist right away for an examination and diagnosis. The sooner the condition is addressed, the less chance of complications developing – and the faster you will be free from pain.
Possible Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Before you can undergo any restorative dentistry for sensitive teeth, your dentist must figure out what’s causing the problem. Because the source of tooth sensitivity is not always visible, it can be a confusing affliction to have – but an expert knows what to look for and how to identify the reason behind the pain. Here are some of the likeliest causes:
- Teeth grinding: Grinding or clenching your teeth, especially while sleeping, can lead to a host of oral health problems and tooth sensitivity. You’re far more likely to do damage to already compromised teeth or develop new problems because of the pressure the teeth put upon each other.
- Gum recession: Recessed gums can come from heavy-handed brushing as well as teeth grinding, exposing the parts of the teeth that should be covered by the gyms.
- Thin tooth enamel: If you have naturally thin tooth enamel, you’re at a higher risk for developing tooth sensitivity.
- Cracked or chipped teeth: You might not see minor chips and cracks in your teeth, but tooth sensitivity could be a major sign that bacteria and plaque have made their way inside the tooth and caused decay or infection.
- Tooth decay: Is it tooth sensitivity or is it a toothache? They can mimic each other at times, and you want the right diagnosis from your dentist so you can get a tooth-colored filling or other dental restoration to repair what’s going on.
- Teeth whitening: Over-the-counter teeth whitening techniques might temporarily brighten your smile but they can also cause major sensitivity in the teeth or gums when applied.
Sometimes it’s your own unconscious bad habits or deliberate habits that can cause tooth sensitivity. Sometimes there are issues that develop through no fault of your own. What’s most important is acknowledging that the situation isn’t right and reaching out to your Chandler, AZ, dentist for help.
Dental Restorations for Sensitive Teeth
The type of dental problem you’re experiencing will determine what type of dental care you receive to deal with your tooth sensitivity. Minor sensitivities like gum recession might warrant the recommendation of desensitizing toothpaste, but bigger issues might call for a common repair such as:
- Dental bonding: When someone only needs a quick treatment, dental bonding is minimally invasive, affordable, and can be completed in one dental visit. The bonding material fills in sensitive areas of the problem tooth to stop the pain.
- Tooth-colored filling: If you have a tooth that is damaged, worn, or experiencing other surface imperfections, it can lead to sensitivity but also be repaired with a tooth-colored filling.
- Root canal therapy: If it is determined that your tooth has a deep infection and a filling isn’t enough to correct the problem, root canal therapy does the trick with the affected tooth then being covered with a porcelain crown.
If you have tooth sensitivity, don’t wait for the problem to go away. Contact Impressions Dental in Chandler, AZ, to find out if you need to be seen right away by Dr. Brigham Baker and his team.
