Sensitive teeth can make simple daily activities like eating or drinking very unpleasant. Determining what stimulates your sensitivities will help Dr. LaVacca discover the possible causes of your sensitive teeth.
If your tooth is sensitive to air…
You most likely have an exposed root. As we age, the roots of our teeth can become exposed. This might need to be treated with a filling or protective sealant, or a toothpaste especially for sensitive teeth may help. Air sensitivity can also be caused by a deep filling, tooth decay, recent dental work, a missing filling or broken tooth, or an acid reflux problem.
If your tooth is sensitive to pressure…
You may have an infection in the tooth that has spread to the bone. If your tooth is always sensitive rather than intermittently sensitive, this is often the case. Alternatively, your tooth may be injured temporarily, and will simply need time to recover. A tooth that is only occasionally sensitive to biting/chewing pressure is a classic sign of a cracked tooth, or may indicate that your bite is out of alignment.
Occasionally, you may have sensitivity in a recently restored tooth only when pressure hits a very particular place on the chewing surface. This may indicate bubbles in the composite material used to fill the tooth, which compress under chewing pressure and cause pain. In this instance, the filling will need to be replaced.
If your tooth is sensitive to sweets…
You likely have a leaky filling. Fillings can wear down over time, and gaps between the tooth and the filling allow food substances to penetrate down to the sensitive tooth surface. Replacement of the filling usually addresses the problem.
If your tooth is sensitive to heat…
The pulp of your tooth is probably so inflamed that it is nearly dead. Sensitivity to heat is particularly alarming, as it indicates that the problem has been progressing for some time and implies there is deep decay. This type of sensitivity usually indicates the need for a root canal procedure.
If your tooth is sensitive to cold…
You may have a tooth infection, or this could simply be a temporary response to new dental work or exposed roots. Dr. LaVacca will ask you about the intensity, onset and duration of your cold sensitivity to help determine the underlying cause.
Clearly, tooth sensitivity can have a wide variety causes and treatments. An expert dentist like Dr. LaVacca can help you quickly address the source of your discomfort. Contact our office today, or use our convenient Make an Appointment form to take the first step towards alleviating your pain.