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Solve Your Tooth Sensitivity!

Question:  “I suffer from inordinately sensitive teeth. Although the sensitivity is generalized and not chronic, I am bothered by it when I drink a cold drink.  Is there any treatment I can receive for my sensitive teeth?”

Answer:  Unfortunately, tooth sensitivity affects many adults. Both its reason and effective treatment rely on many factors. Generalized tooth sensitivity involves several teeth throughout the mouth and may be caused by a variety of  situations such as multiple cavities, numerous cracked teeth, sinus infections, eroding enamel, extensive tooth wear, receding gums, abfraction or, tooth “notching” along the gumline, or, one or more other issues.  The most common situations I have encountered feature gum recession and abfraction.

The hardest surface in the human body is enamel and it covers the outer layer of teeth.  Enamel is designed to create a protective barrier to protect the inside of teeth that are highly sensitive if they were to be exposed.  The recession of gums is typically caused by harsh toothbrushing, gum disease, application of excessive force upon teeth or, the aging process itself.  As gums deteriorate and recede, the root surface becomes exposed.  Since root surfaces are not protected by enamel, this exposure can cause sensitivity to cold.

Toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth is frequently the simplest and most accessible first line of treatment that can be employed. The regular uses of a fluoride rinse or having your dentist apply a desensitizing agent to the exposed root surfaces are two ways to treat sensitive teeth. A bonded composite filling can also be utilized to treat this concern.  At the time of treatment your dentist will review the actual process.
A common belief is that the lesions that typify abfraction are due to the excessive application of lateral forces to the teeth.  This can be caused by poorly aligned teeth which create significant lateral force on teeth during the process of food chewing.  Orthodontic treatment frequently corrects this as does tooth adjustments known as equilibration. This process produces a smoother pattern of chewing.

Often, jaw clenching or tooth grinding can cause abfraction. If these habits occur during waking hours, then the individual must make a conscientious effort to stop the cycle. Nighttime habits can be minimized if the sleeper wears a nightguard. The “notching” or grooves that occur at the gum line can usually be filled in with a tooth-colored filling.  Also, the teeth can be equilibrated which will reduce the likelihood of this condition recurring.

So, there are several reasons as to why tooth sensitivity develops.  Do not hesitate to consult with your dentist to find out the cause and best treatment for this condition as soon as possible.

Dr. Thompson maintains his private dental practice  (Imagecare Dental) in Plano, TX. For more information on this or any other dental topic, please visit: www.imagecaredental.com .  If you have questions for Dr. Thompson, please send an e-mail to:   This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or mail him a 6841 Coit Rd, Plano, TX 75024
 
Comprehensive Dental Exams Essential

Question:  “I recently switched dentists and was pleasantly surprised. My new dentist and his staff conducted the most thorough exam and cleaning I ever received. Do all dentists deliver this high-quality initial exam?”

Answer:  I don’t know about other dental practices but your experience sounds terrific and is good to hear.  I also believe that a new patient’s first examination is the most crucial dental appointment a patient will ever receive.  Not only does the initial visit create the all-important positive first impression about the office itself, but establishes future patient expectations about the quality of their future service.

A highly competent and professional dental team allows ample time to ask and listen to a new patient’s concerns.  This discussion should also include a patient’s feelings about past dental experiences as well as their current treatment expectations and oral health goals.

Once we understand your specific needs and have reviewed your dental and medical history with you, we will tell you what you can expect from our team during your appointment.  Most likely, digital x-rays and digital photos will be taken.  Oftentimes, dentists will make an oral impression in order to have a model of your teeth.

A comprehensive examination featuring an oral cancer screening, periodontal and TMJ evaluations, and a close inspection of all of your teeth typically follows.  During this protocol, the dentist, hygienist, or assistant should thoroughly explain to you what they see as well as provide information as to how to better care for your teeth and gums.

While the periodontal (gums and the bone that support your teeth) exam is taking place, a decision will be made as to the “type” of cleaning that will be required and how much time it will take.  If the initial scheduled time is insufficient, a follow-up appointment or appointments will need to be made.

If an extended period of time has elapsed since a patient’s last examination and cleaning, it is likely they will have a certain amount of gum (or gum and bone) disease.  The level of the disease’s severity will determine their need for multiple appointments and/or anesthetic required to ultimately restore a patient’s oral health.

Most importantly, new patient examinations need to be thorough.  The dental team must allot sufficient time to establish both a positive, professional relationship with the patient and to truly understand all their needs.  If new patients are rushed through the process, the outcome is certain to be detrimental to all.

Again, it is good to hear about your great experience.

Dr. Thompson maintains his private dental practice  (Imagecare Dental) in Plano, TX. For more information on this or any other dental topic, please visit: www.imagecaredental.com .  If you have questions for Dr. Thompson, please send an e-mail to:   This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or mail him a 6841 Coit Rd, Plano, TX 75024
 
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Imagecare Dental also serves as dental experts for out of state patients, as well as patients from the North Texas region including Plano, Frisco, Allen, McKinney, Flower Mound, The Colony, Carrollton, Dallas and Richardson.

 
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