Welcome to my site! My name is Verity. I work as a receptionist in a dentist office. Every day for the past 20 years, I have come in to the office, worked on paperwork, and greeted patients. I love my job, because it has helped me meet a lot of really wonderful people. I have seen families grow up! But an added benefit from my job is that I have also picked up some small information about dentistry. I'm not one of the dentists, but I do know quite a bit about simple procedures and basic dental hygiene. Hopefully this blog can teach you something, but remember to always consult with your actual dentist for real professional advice!
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How Your Dentist Might Help When You Have A Sensitive Tooth
Eleanor Crawford
If you're having trouble with tooth sensitivity, make an appointment with your dentist so you can have your tooth checked for a cavity or small crack. You might not see the cavity yourself. The dentist may need to take an X-ray to find it. You can have sensitive teeth without having a cavity, but it's better to find out the cause of the problem. If sweets, cold foods, or hot drinks cause pain, it's a sign something is wrong. Here's how your dentist might treat a sensitive tooth.
Fill A Cavity
If the problem is a cavity, the dentist can drill out the decay and put in a filling to save your tooth from further decay and pain. They might put a white filling in so it won't be noticeable when you smile. Fillings are a common dental procedure that can be done quickly.
If you have a fear of the procedure, you might be given nitrous oxide to help you relax. Even if you hate going to the dentist, it's much better to get dental work done when a cavity is small rather than wait and have to endure a root canal to treat an infection later.
Provide A Fluoride Treatment
You might have fluoride applied to your sensitive tooth to help strengthen the enamel. If the enamel is stronger, you may not feel pain from extreme temperatures or sweets. In addition to treatment in the office, you might be given a prescription for fluoride treatments to take at home to strengthen your tooth enamel over time.
Do A Root Canal
A root canal might be needed when the problem is with the root of your tooth. This is the same procedure that's done when you have a tooth abscess. Even if you don't have an abscess, the root of your tooth could be the cause of your sensitivity. If other treatments don't help, your dentist might recommend a root canal procedure.
Perform A Gum Graft
If your sensitivity is caused due to receding gums that leave the root of your tooth exposed, your dentist might recommend having a gum graft. With this procedure, tissue is taken from elsewhere in your mouth and grafted over the gum around your sensitive tooth. When the surgery heals, your tooth root will be covered and your tooth shouldn't be as sensitive.
Suggest Toothpaste
Your dentist may recommend certain brands of toothpaste for your sensitive tooth. Some toothpaste products are made for sensitive teeth, and by using them regularly, they may block pain signals and provide some relief. They may want you to also use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush. Follow the recommendations for home care so you manage your condition and have less pain.
Reach out to dentists near you to learn more.
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