An In-Depth Guide to Tooth Desensitization: Everything You Need to Know
There is nothing as heartbreaking as not being able to enjoy your favorite meals and drinks. Whether you’d love to enjoy some ice cream or sink your teeth in some hot food, tooth sensitivity will definitely burst your bubble. Instead of steering clear from the foods you enjoy, you can visit our emergency dentist in Knoxville, Dr. Terrie Cribbs, who offers desensitization dental treatments.
Tooth desensitization near you is an excellent way of dealing with tooth sensitivity. That sudden jolt of pain is no fun and can be bothersome to the point that one would avoid eating certain foods altogether.
For this reason, you will need to see what options our dentist in Knoxville has that can ensure that the quality of your life improves. But before we look at the desensitization dental treatments, let’s see why your teeth are sensitive.
Tooth Sensitivity, In a Nutshell
Your teeth are naturally sturdy; in fact, they are made of the sturdiest component in your body, enamel. This is why they can withstand nearly everything you throw at them. However, this doesn’t mean that they are not destructible. Under the right circumstances, the enamel would deteriorate, and your teeth will become weak.
Your tooth has four distinct layers: enamel, dentin, cementum, and dental pulp. The enamel protects the other parts of the tooth. If the enamel is corroded or your gums recede, then the inner parts of the tooth become exposed.
There are tiny tubes in the dentin that have nerves, which means that if they are exposed, they can become irritated. So, your teeth will become sensitive. This is what makes eating cold or hot foods a challenge. Also, exposure to cold air could cause you to feel pain. In other words, your eating, drinking, and breathing habits will be affected.
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
As you may know by now, your teeth become sensitive when the nerves are exposed. However, several factors can cause your nerves to be exposed, including:
- Teeth grinding
- Bone loss
- Brushing your teeth with too much vigor can wear down your enamel
- Smoking
- Having a dry mouth
- Bulimia
- Tooth decay
- A cracked tooth
- Worn filling
- Gum recession, which can be due to gum disease, recent dental restoration
- Eating lots of acidic foods that can wear down your enamel
- Using some teeth whitening products
The enamel doesn’t wear down quickly; it takes some time, even years, before the nerves are exposed.
Desensitization Dental Treatments
Countless people just assume that they have to live or adapt to the discomfort brought about by tooth sensitivity. Thanks to modern dentistry, we have different treatments at our dental clinic in Knoxville.
The treatment you will receive is dependent on what is causing you to have sensitive teeth. Some of the treatments you can expect to receive from our dentist in Knoxville are:
- Fluoride Treatments
One of the key components that make up your enamel is fluoride. It is a naturally occurring mineral that can be found in some foods and tap water. Fluoride is known to strengthen teeth and also aids your teeth in absorbing calcium better. To get the best results, you will need to visit our dentist near you for fluoride treatment.
This is because if you do it yourself, there’s a likelihood that you will apply too much. Too much fluoride can cause dental fluorosis, a condition characterized by white specks on the teeth. Our dentist can apply it directly to your teeth in the form of high concentration gels, rinses, or varnishes. You might also be given topical fluoride that you can apply at home.
- Dental Bonding
If tooth sensitivity was caused by gum recession, then dental bonding becomes a viable option. The exposed roots will be covered using composite resin, thus reducing the tooth sensitivity.
- Root Canal Therapy
A root canal procedure is done to remove a damaged or infected dental pulp. When the procedure is done, the nerves that make you feel the sensation of hot and cold are removed, thus dealing with tooth sensitivity. It’s the most invasive technique, but it is the most successful.
- Surgical Gum Graft
Also, if gum recession is why you have tooth sensitivity, then a gum graft can also help deal with the issue. The procedure involves taking a small amount of gum tissue from anywhere in your oral cavity, and then it is grafted to the affected site to cover the exposed roots.
As you have seen, tooth desensitization is possible. Therefore, don’t let tooth sensitivity make you not enjoy your life. Contact us at TLC Dental Care to schedule an appointment.