If your teeth are in pain, schedule an appointment with our dentist office. We will examine your teeth and determine what is causing the pain in the first place. Many people suffer from tooth sensitivity. This can be due to a cavity, gum disease, and a lack of enamel. In order to treat it properly, we need to know why your teeth are sensitive. We recommend having a dental exam and teeth cleaning twice a year which can prevent a lot of these issues, but regardless of when you had your last appointment, call us if you are in pain.
One of the things we will look for is whether or not the enamel on your teeth has worn away. As people age, it is common for teeth to go through a process called demineralization. This is when the enamel starts to wear off, and the dentin underneath is exposed. The challenge with dentin being exposed is that it is full of tiny holes that lead directly to the roots of the tooth. This means that when you eat or drink anything, sensations are sent through the dentin and to the roots. This is what can lead to a sudden painful sensation. You can help to reduce the pain at home by brushing with desensitizing toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
If your enamel is strong, then the pain is likely caused by either a cavity or gum disease. A cavity can be diagnosed and treated easily. Once the cavity is removed, and a filling is placed, your tooth should stop hurting. If the infection is in the center of your tooth, a root canal will likely be necessary in order to remove the infection. Afterwards, we typically place a crown around the tooth in order to protect it. This will prevent anything from touching the tooth directly since a crown is essentially a cap that surrounds the tooth. As a family dentist, we have multiple ways to treat a cavity that are painless and can help you to feel better right away.
When there are no cavities and your enamel is strong, the pain in your mouth is likely due to gum disease. As bacteria gathers around your gums, it can get between the gum tissue and your tooth. This can make your gums swell, bleed, and be in pain. This creates an overall sensitivity in your mouth and as the disease grows, it can be painful. Our goal is to catch gum disease quickly before it can spread and create issues with your teeth. In its early stages, we can treat gingivitis by performing a deep cleaning and removing the bacteria from under the gum tissue. This will give your gums the natural ability to heal themselves and the symptoms will go away.
If gum disease is allowed to spread, it will make your gums recede. This can be painful, and as the roots and tooth structure are exposed, your teeth can start to hurt. In this scenario, a gum graft is typically necessary for protecting the teeth and restoring gum health.
To find out what is causing your sensitive teeth, call and schedule an appointment with our family dentist office today.
