DENTINE HYPERSENSITIVITY
Healthy Living | Fall Issue | 2017 9
It is common to experience
dentine hypersensitivity, with
symptoms ranging from moderate
to severe. Why does it
happen and how do you know
if this sensitivity is something
to be concerned about? The first
step is to determine the cause.
The most common cause
of the sensitivity is exposure of
the dentin. Dentin is the layer
immediately surrounding the
nerve of the tooth. It is alive
and usually covered by the gum
tissue. When gum recession
is present hypersensitivity is
common. Other contributors
to temporary tooth hypersensitivity
include teeth whitening
and dental procedures such as
fillings, periodontal treatment,
and braces placement or adjustment.
These are temporary and
should be of no concern.
Permanent hypersensitivity,
however, may require treatment.
To understand the cause
of sustained hypersensitivity, let
us explain the structure of dentin
and why it serves as a ‘hot
spot’.
The dentin contains a large
numbers of pores or tubes that
run from the outside of the
tooth to the nerve in the center.
When dentin tubes are exposed,
there is a direct connection between
the mouth and dental
pulp, which houses the nerve
and blood supply of the tooth.
External stimuli, such as mechanical
pressure (tooth grinding
or clenching - bruising the
ligaments holding the teeth in
place), temperature changes, as
well as chemical stimuli (sweet–
sour) are transmitted to the
pain-sensitive dental pulp and
activate nerve endings. A short
and sharp pain is the result.
These external stimuli cause fluid
movement in the open tube
that is transmitted as pain sensations.
Something needs to be
placed into the dentin tube to
plug it and stop this fluid movement.
The first step in doing something
about dental hypersensitivity
is to determine the cause;
our professional team at Hayes
Family Dentistry can help you
with this. Whether the sensitivity
is due to exposed dentin or an
underlying cause such as abscess
or decay, corrective measures are
needed. Contact us sooner rather
than later so Dr. Kevin Hayes
and Dr. Sandy Hayes can reduce
the sensitivity, and provide you
with some relief!
Hayes Family Dentistry
620 East 10th Street
Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 284-4989