What Can A Dentist Do About An Overly Sensitive Tooth?
When you eat or drink cold things, do you feel a lot of sensitivity in one tooth? If so, does this sensitivity bother you a lot? If you feel bothered a lot by this pain, you might want to talk to your dentist about it. Your dentist can determine what to do to fix the problem, and the process often begins by determining why the tooth is so sensitive. After that, the dentist can suggest options for resolving the issue. Here is an explanation of why this problem occurs and the solutions for fixing it.
Why Teeth Feel Extreme Sensitivity to Cold Things
The first thing to understand is the causes of extreme sensitivity with teeth. While many things can lead to this problem, most people experience sensitivity like this for one of two reasons. The first reason is due to a loss of enamel. You can lose the enamel on your teeth from age, grinding, or eating too many acidic foods. If you lose too much enamel, it leaves the inner parts of your teeth exposed, and the inner parts include nerves. Sensitivity is typically a nerve issue, so you might feel this from a loss of enamel.
The second reason people often experience this issue is from gum recession. Enamel protects teeth, and your gums also protect them. If your gums begin receding, they might leave parts of your teeth exposed. If this is the case, you will likely feel pain when you eat or drink cold things.
How Dentists Solve This Problem
After your dentist determines the cause of your sensitivity, they will offer some treatment options. The treatment option needed depends on the problem you have with your teeth. One option is for the dentist to apply composite bonding to your tooth. Bonding covers a tooth and protects it like enamel. Applying a thin layer of bonding often helps reduce the sensitivity of a tooth.
If your sensitivity is the result of gum recession, the dentist might suggest performing a gum graft procedure. This procedure involves adding gum tissue to the area that needs it. When you add extra gum tissue, it covers the exposed tooth, which naturally reduces the sensitivity you feel from that tooth.
If you have sensitive teeth, talk to your dentist. Living with extreme sensitivity is challenging and difficult, but there are options. To learn more, contact a local family dentist today.