What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

If you have ever taken a bite from a portion of sugary or cold food and felt a jolt of pain, you are familiar with tooth sensitivity. This condition can be excruciating and requires intervention from a dental professional to treat.

This type of tooth pain could signify a major underlying dental problem and should be evaluated by a dentist promptly. Dr. Ali Sarkarzadeh, a dentist practicing in Rockville, MD, responds to frequently asked questions regarding tooth sensitivity and how to alleviate and treat this condition.

tooth sensitivity treatment Rockville Maryland

Where Does Sensitivity Pain Come From?

Each one of your teeth consists of pulp at its center, surrounded by dentin, which is shielded by an outer layer of enamel. Enamel is durable, but over time, it can wear away and expose underlying dentin.

Dentin contains nerves that send pain signals to the brain when stimulated. If the enamel has thinned or weakened, you could be at risk of experiencing this pain, which dentists refer to as tooth sensitivity.

Enamel cannot regrow on its own, so you will need treatment from a dentist to alleviate sensitivity pain. Even if you think this pain is tolerable, you should still visit your dentist for an evaluation, as this condition could be a symptom of a severe dental issue that requires prompt treatment.

How Will My Dentist Treat Tooth Sensitivity?

Your treatment plan for tooth sensitivity will differ depending on the root cause of the issue. In mild instances, your dentist may recommend that you use desensitizing toothpaste to relieve sensitivity pain.

Tooth sensitivity may also occur in patients who have cavities. Dentists can stop this pain by treating the decay with a dental filling. More severe cases of decay or enamel erosion may require a dental crown to treat.

When you schedule a prompt dentist appointment regarding tooth sensitivity, your dental professional can use advanced diagnostic tools to find the underlying cause of this symptom. By treating the cause, they can eliminate this condition and relieve you of this discomfort.

Call Your Dentist in Rockville, MD About Tooth Pain

Congressional Dental Care offers dental fillings and other general dentistry treatments to patients in Rockville, MD. Dr. Sarkarzadeh also specializes in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, including dental implants and other tooth replacement solutions. To schedule a consultation with our practice, contact our staff online or reach us by phone at 301.276.4694.