Dental House is Opening March 2016 on Dublin’s Aungier Street.
 
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Is the taste of ice cream or a sip of hot tea or coffee sometimes a painful experience for you? Does brushing or flossing make you grimace occasionally? If so, you may have sensitive teeth.

Causes

  • Tooth decay (cavities)
  • Fractured teeth
  • Worn fillings
  • Gum disease>
  • Worn tooth enamel
  • Exposed tooth root

In healthy teeth, a layer of enamel protects the crowns of your teeth—the part above the gum line. Under the gum line a layer called cementum protects the root. Underneath both of these is dentin.
When dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum, extreme temperatures (i.e. heat or cold), or acidic/sticky foods reach the nerves and cells inside your tooth, resulting in hypersensitivity.

Treatment

Sensitive teeth may be treated. However, the type of treatment will depend on what is causing the sensitivity. We may suggest one of the following treatments:

  • Desensitizing toothpaste. This contains compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve, and usually requires several applications before the sensitivity is reduced.)
  • Fluoride gel. An in-office technique which strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the transmission of sensations.
  • A crown, inlay or bonding. These may be used to correct a flaw or decay that results in sensitivity.
  • Surgical gum graft. If gum tissue has been lost from the root, this will protect the root and reduce sensitivity.
  • Root canal. If sensitivity is severe and persistent and cannot be treated by other means, your dentist may recommend this treatment to eliminate the problem.

Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing sensitive-tooth pain. If you have any questions about your daily oral hygiene routine or concerns about tooth sensitivity contact our team at Dental House today.

Opening April 2016

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