Sensitive Teeth 101

Sensitive teeth are one of the most common dental ailments that patients are afflicted with. In fact, it’s safe to say that nearly 1 in 5 patients that walk through the dental office doors suffers from some kind of tooth sensitivity. But why is it so common and what causes it?

 

The culprit of sensitive teeth isn’t a form of bacteria or a deep-rooted issue. In fact, sensitive teeth are caused by the natural thinning of your enamel, the hard surface on the outer part of your teeth that keeps your sensitive roots protected. Your enamel can be worn down in multiple ways, including:

  • Brushing your teeth too hard
  • Bruxism (teeth grinding)
  • Eating acidic foods and drinks
  • Bulimia (an eating disorder in which the individual vomits frequently)
  • Gum disease

 

What Your Dentist Will Do

 

Right off the bat, your dentist will check for any major trauma to your teeth or gums to rule out any serious condition such as a broken tooth, gum disease, or a damaged filling. If that’s the case, your dentist can make the plans to fix the problem as soon as possible.

 

If no major trauma is evident, your dentist may recommend a special brand of toothpaste specially designed for sensitive teeth and ask what kind of toothbrush you currently use. Ideally, for people with sensitive teeth, a soft toothbrush is recommended and your dentist may also go over brushing techniques to ensure that you’re not brushing too vigorously.

 

For those whose sensitive teeth is caused by grinding their teeth together, your dentist will generally recommend a mouthguard that you can wear at night to prevent you from doing so.

 

As soon as you experience any kind of tooth sensitivity, come to the dentist right away. There is no reason to continue living in discomfort when a quick trip can save you from disrupting days and uncomfortable nights. Especially if the root cause is some sort of major trauma, the sooner it is taken care of, the better, as some problems can get worse over time if left untreated.

 

Call us today to book a complimentary consultation.

 

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Laser Dentistry: Benefits and Uses

Laser Dentistry was first introduced in the 1990s as a treatment for gum disease. Today, it is widely used for a variety of treatments after it was deemed safe and effective, and most importantly, a less painful way for treatments to be conducted. That being said, the laser cannot be used for all treatments, but speak with your dentist regardless to see if it is an option available to you. Most dentists will opt in for laser treatments if available and if they are well trained in that area.

 

Benefits of Laser Dentistry

 

As mentioned above, using a laser is far less invasive than going with standard tools like a drill. While a drill may cause some bleeding, inflammation, and discomfort, using a laser with significantly decrease all of these things as it causes less trauma to the affected and surrounding tissue. When a laser is used, the patient won’t have to use as much anesthetic for pain relief which in turn means a shorter healing time, and your mouth won’t have to remain numb for quite as long.

 

Lasers allow the dentist to be more precise and better target just the affected areas so that less damage is done to the healthy tissue that surrounds the gum. The use of lasers also comes with a reduced infection rate as lasers are able to kill the bacteria that come into contact with it.

 

The Use of Lasers in Dentistry

 

As mentioned above, not all dentist offices will have lasers available as there may not be staff trained in this area. Every situation is also unique and lasers may not be the best choice for you. Below are some of the procedures that can be done with lasers, should laser dentistry be available at your dental office.

 

  • Removing decayed matter from the tooth
  • Gum shaping
  • Removing plaque and tartar
  • Biopsies for oral cancer screenings
  • Gum surgery

Does Laser Dentistry Completely Replace Drills and Traditional Tools?

 

No, there are some things that a laser cannot achieve that a drill still can. For example, when replacing a filling, a laser cannot remove the previous filling in which case a drill will have to be used. A laser also cannot be used when undergoing a bridge procedure.

 

Lasers are more so used for smaller procedures or dental cases that are on the minor side of the scale. With larger cavities or cavities that are in hard to reach places, your dentist will more than likely resort to using more traditional methods as it would not be safe to use the laser in these situations.

 

However, it is up to the skill and experience of the dentist involved in the procedure. Dentists that have multiple years experience with a laser will be able to perform more complicated procedures with a laser, whereas someone with only a few months will probably only be able to handle simple cases where a laser can be used. Always inquire about these things before signing on for a dental procedure to ensure that your needs are being met and you get the best quality care possible.

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What is the Difference Between Fillings, Inlays, and Onlays?

Fillings, inlays, and onlays all have one common goal and that it to fill gaps and holes both between and on your natural tooth. By doing so, they alleviate discomfort and restore your teeth back to their former glory.

 

But just because they all share a common goal, doesn’t mean they all treat the same issue. There are a number of factors that determine which treatment your dentist will deem best for you.

 

Let’s take a look at the various options.

 

Fillings: You probably know at least one person who has gotten a filling done, if nt yourself. In fact, when you think of the dentist, getting a filling because of a cavity is probably the first thing that pops into your head because it is such a common procedure. In turn, fillings are usually the go-to for dentists when filling in gaps and holes in your teeth, provided that the cavity is not too large. However, if the damage is more severe, a regular filling will not work. This is where inlays and onlays come into play.

 

Inlays and Onlays: As mentioned above, inlays and onlays function like fillings, but are used to treat more severe cases. Inlays are used to treat the inner hollowed out sections of your teeth–the chewing area–and are typically used on molars. Onlays are used for more broad and spread out damages, often covering the entire surface of the tooth.

 

Both are considered to be stronger than regular fillings and also provide the tooth with a very effective barrier against bacteria, preventing infection from reaching the exposed nerve endings. Inlays and Onlays, although more expensive than your traditional filling, may be worth the investment in the long run as they last longer and are easier to maintain.

 

When it comes to aesthetics, inlays and onlays also come in a variety of materials including porcelain, silver, and gold. Though it is entirely up to the patient which one they choose to go with, gold and silver are typically used on the back teeth, and porcelain is used at the front to disguise the fact that you had any dental work done.

 

Are you still unsure which option would be best for you? Schedule a free consultation with our office where we will assess your unique situation and make recommendations based on that. See you soon!

 

 

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