Do You Have Sensitive Teeth?

Agnes Kumar, DDS

A common complaint among patients is that their teeth are sensitive. Sensitivity in teeth can arise due to many different factors.  One possibility is excessive pressures due to unbalance in biting forces on particular teeth.  This can cause the ligaments which hold the tooth in bone to be bruised and create sensitivity.  Sometimes getting your bite adjusted can greatly decrease this problem.  If for example, someone grinds or clenches their teeth, a bite splint may be necessary to help with the sensitivity.  At times exposed root surfaces of teeth or exposed inner part of the tooth (dentin) can be a source of sensitivity.  Dentin has microscopic water-filled tubules which are connected to the live part of the tooth (nerve and blood vessels).   When the dentin is exposed to environmental factors such as hot or cold temperatures,  the micro-tubules conduct these right into the nerve and cause sensitivity.   A filling or desensitizing agents may help decrease the symptoms.  Sensitivity due to exposed root surfaces of teeth, for example due to a gum recession, can sometimes be treated with minor surgery to reposition the gums back on the root surface.