Sensitive Teeth? Let Us Obliterate Them!

Okay, so maybe the title to this blog is a little dramatic- and while I am not suggesting that we will literally 'obliterate' sensitive teeth- we do want to obliterate the reason why they are sensitive!

A lot of patients with teeth sensitive to cold ask me what can be done to minimize the temporary discomfort they feel from a cold glass of water or a bite of ice cream. Patients often wonder if the tooth has a cavity and while this is sometimes true, oftentimes it is not.

The top part of our teeth are covered by enamel, which acts in one sense as an insulator to the inner parts of the tooth. The root portion of the tooth, however, does not have this layer. This can make the transmission of cold to the pulp of the tooth (which is where the nerve is)quite easy when a little bit of the root is exposed from gum recession. The good news is that there are a few options to minimize that pesky sensitivity if it is indeed being caused by this. A good first option is to try one of several anti-sensitivity toothpastes available over the counter(OTC) or through our office.

A good over-the-counter toothpaste that can be purchased most anywhere would be any of the Sensodyne brand. There are a great many varieties of Sensodyne toothpaste, but they will use either one of two active ingredients: Potassium Nitrate or Strontium Chloride. Potassium Nitrate minimizes tooth sensitivity by acting as a sedative for the nerves inside of your teeth; Strontium Chloride acts as a barrier in stopping the transmission of cold or heat to the nerves. You can learn more about this and which of Sensodyne's toothpastes offer each ingredient by visiting http://us.sensodyne.com/Sensitivity_Main.aspx

Aside from Sensodyne, Colgate offers a great product available by prescription, called Pro-Relief. Pro-Relief works to coat exposed root with a calcium-rich layer (calcium carbonate) and minimize sensitivity in doing so. You can learn more about Colgate's Pro-Relief at http://www.colgateprofessional.com/products/Colgate-Sensitive-Pro-Relief-Desensitizing-Paste/details

Finally, a very effective and painless way to minimize or stop tooth sensitivity by exposed root is through the use of our state-of-the-art WaterLase MD laser. In a very short appointment, we are able to use the laser to 'obliterate' the tiny channels that allow for the transmission of cold to the nerve of the tooth. It's easy, painless, and very effective! You can learn more about the WaterLaseMD laser at http://www.biolase.com/waterlaseMD.html

At Guion & Klein Smile Design and Family Dentistry, we are committed to being your resource for any dental and mouth-related issues. If you have any questions about this topic, or any other, please call us at 865-947-7900 or e-mail us at toddkleindds@hotmail.com. We would be more than happy to speak with you!

- Todd S. Klein, DDS

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