What Are Sensitive Teeth?

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the protective layers of a tooth become compromised, exposing the underlying dentin or affecting the nerve inside the tooth. This allows heat, cold, sweets, or pressure to stimulate the tooth and cause discomfort.

Sensitivity may affect one tooth, several teeth, or your entire mouth, and the severity can vary depending on the underlying cause.

Common Causes of Sensitive Teeth

Tooth sensitivity can result from many different conditions, including:

• Worn or thinning enamel
• Gum recession exposing the tooth roots
• Tooth decay (cavities)
• Cracked or fractured teeth
• Worn or leaking fillings
• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Dental erosion from acidic foods or beverages
• Tooth whitening treatments
• Inflamed tooth nerve (irreversible pulpitis)

Because several conditions can cause similar symptoms, an examination is often necessary to determine the true source of the problem.

Signs and Symptoms

You may notice:

• Sharp pain with cold foods or drinks
• Sensitivity to hot beverages
• Pain when eating sweets
• Discomfort while brushing or flossing
• Sensitivity when breathing cold air
• Pain affecting one specific tooth or several teeth

Some patients experience sensitivity only occasionally, while others notice it every day.

When Should You See a Dentist?

You should schedule an examination if:

• Sensitivity lasts more than a few days.
• One tooth is significantly more sensitive than the others.
• The pain is becoming more frequent or severe.
• You experience lingering pain after hot or cold foods.
• Sensitivity is accompanied by swelling, a broken tooth, or pain when biting.

Persistent sensitivity is often a sign that treatment is needed to prevent further damage.

How Is Tooth Sensitivity Diagnosed?

Finding the cause of tooth sensitivity involves more than simply identifying which tooth hurts.

During your examination, Dr. Omeltschenko may evaluate:

• Digital X-rays
• Clinical photographs
• Tooth wear
• Gum recession
• Existing fillings and crowns
• Signs of tooth decay
• Bite alignment and chewing forces
• Cold testing and other diagnostic tests

By evaluating the health of your gums, teeth, and bite, we can identify the underlying cause of your sensitivity and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

What Happens If Sensitive Teeth Are Left Untreated?

Some causes of tooth sensitivity are relatively minor, while others can progress into more serious problems if left untreated.

Depending on the cause, delaying treatment may lead to:

• Increasing discomfort
• Larger cavities
• Cracked or broken teeth
• Infection of the tooth nerve
• The need for root canal therapy
• Tooth loss in severe cases

Early diagnosis often allows for simpler, more conservative treatment.

Possible Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your sensitivity.

Possible treatment options may include:

• Tooth-Colored Fillings – to repair cavities or replace worn fillings.

• Dental Crowns – to protect cracked, weakened, or heavily worn teeth.

• Desensitizing Products – for minor sensitivity caused by exposed dentin.

• Treatment for Gum Disease – if gum recession or periodontal disease is contributing to the problem.

• Root Canal Therapy – if the nerve inside the tooth has become permanently inflamed or infected.

• Nightguard Therapy – if grinding or clenching is causing excessive tooth wear and sensitivity.

Our goal is always to identify the cause of your sensitivity and recommend the most conservative treatment that provides long-term success.