Sensitive Teeth Treatments From a General Dentist

A general dentist helps ease new and lasting tooth sensitivity. This dental issue may be rooted in something as simple as brushing the teeth too hard. Alternatively, it may indicate an underlying oral health condition, like gum disease, that needs restorative treatment. Understanding tooth sensitivity, its causes, and how it is treated can inform patients whether they should wait to bring it up at their six-month dental checkup or book an earlier appointment.

Sensitive teeth: Symptoms and causes

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, tooth sensitivity is a common dental issue in which stimuli — such as exposure to food that is too hot, cold, sweet, or acidic — cause sharp pain. While the pain is temporary, it can affect one or several teeth when exposed to the stimuli.

A general dentist will develop a treatment plan based on the cause of the patient’s tooth sensitivity. For instance, sensitivity from a cracked or chipped tooth can be relieved by sealing the crack or repairing the chip with dental filling. Other causes include:

• Enamel erosion, such as from brushing too hard or eating acidic foods
• Early signs of gum disease (i.e., gum recession)
• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Plaque and tartar buildup
• Tooth decay (cavities)

Dental procedures can also cause temporary tooth sensitivity. This is normal. A general dentist can help ease this tooth sensitivity as the mouth heals from recent dental work.

When and how a general dentist treats sensitive teeth

For many patients, tooth sensitivity comes on gradually. In these cases, it is typically fine to wait until their next six-month dental checkup to ask about treatments. However, if it comes on suddenly or the pain associated with it becomes constant or severe, it is best to ask a general dentist about it as soon as possible. Here are some of the most common treatments either way.

Fluoride treatments

Fluoride can be applied over the teeth as a varnish, gel, or foam to rebuild enamel. These treatments also help to shield the teeth against stimuli for at least a few months.

Custom night guards for bruxism

A general dentist may recommend a custom night guard for patients with sensitive teeth and bruxism. These dental appliances cushion the teeth, relieving the pressure put on them and preventing further damage to the enamel.

Tooth decay treatments

If a cavity is causing tooth sensitivity, a general dentist can remove the decay and restore the tooth to relieve pain. The most common restorative treatments for cavities are dental fillings and crowns. For deeper decay, a root canal procedure will be needed to restore the tooth.

Gum grafts and other gum disease treatments

Exposed tooth roots can result from gum recession or disease. A general dentist may recommend gum grafts to rebuild the receded gum line, thereby covering the roots and relieving sensitivity. Alternatively, if gum disease is present, they may need to perform other treatments, such as a deep cleaning called root scaling and planing, so the gums can successfully reattach to any exposed roots.