Understanding Tooth Sensitivity: What’s Causing Your Pain?
A sharp, sudden pain when you drink a cold glass of water or bite into something sweet can be more than just an annoyance it’s your teeth trying to tell you something. Tooth sensitivity is a common issue that affects many people in Amman, making everyday activities uncomfortable. At Crown Dental Center, we understand how this condition can impact your quality of life, and we are dedicated to providing effective, lasting solutions.
This article will help you understand the common causes of tooth sensitivity and show you how our expert team in Amman can help you find relief.
Understanding What Causes Tooth Sensitivity
To effectively treat tooth sensitivity, we first need to identify its cause. The pain you feel is often a signal that the protective layers of your teeth have been compromised, exposing the dentin underneath. Dentin contains microscopic tubes that lead directly to the tooth’s nerve, which reacts to changes in temperature or pressure.
Here are some of the most common reasons you might be experiencing sensitivity:
Worn Enamel: The hard outer layer of your tooth (enamel) can wear away over time due to acidic foods, aggressive brushing, or teeth grinding (bruxism), leaving the dentin exposed.
Exposed Tooth Roots: Your gums can recede, exposing the tooth roots which are not protected by enamel and are highly sensitive. This can be caused by gum disease or brushing too hard.
Cracked or Chipped Teeth: A crack can allow bacteria to penetrate the tooth and irritate the nerve, causing intermittent pain.
Cavities: Tooth decay creates holes in the enamel, exposing the inner layers of the tooth to temperature changes and sugars.
Recent Dental Procedures: It’s normal to experience temporary sensitivity after a filling, crown placement, or professional teeth whitening. This typically subsides within a few weeks.
Effective Solutions for Lasting Relief at Crown Dental
While some sensitivity can be managed at home, it’s crucial to get a professional diagnosis to rule out a more serious underlying issue. At Crown Dental Center, we offer a range of solutions tailored to your specific needs.
▪ Professional Fluoride Treatments: Your dentist can apply a fluoride varnish to your teeth. This treatment helps to strengthen the enamel and the exposed dentin, providing a barrier that reduces sensitivity.
▪ Dental Fillings and Crowns: If sensitivity is caused by a cavity, chipped tooth, or a worn filling, a new filling or a dental crown can seal the exposed dentin and restore the tooth’s structure.
▪ Dental Bonding: For exposed tooth roots due to gum recession, a special resin material can be applied to cover the sensitive areas, acting as a protective layer.
▪ Gum Grafts: In severe cases of gum recession, a gum graft may be necessary to cover the exposed root, protecting it from sensitivity and further damage.
▪ Root Canal Therapy: When sensitivity is persistent and severe, it may indicate damage to the tooth’s nerve. A root canal procedure can remove the infected pulp, eliminating the pain and saving the tooth.
Tips for Preventing Sensitivity at Home
Beyond professional treatment, you can take simple steps at home to prevent and manage tooth sensitivity:
▪ Use a Desensitizing Toothpaste: These toothpastes are specially formulated with ingredients like potassium nitrate to block pain signals from reaching the nerves.
▪ Brush Gently: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush with gentle, circular motions to avoid wearing down your enamel and irritating your gums.
▪ Limit Acidic Foods and Drinks: Reduce your intake of sodas, citrus fruits, and other acidic foods that can erode enamel. ▪ Wear a Night Guard: If you grind your teeth at night, a custom-fitted night guard can protect your teeth from the excessive pressure that leads to enamel wear.
Don’t let tooth sensitivity dictate what you can and can’t eat. The solution is just a phone call away. Contact Crown Dental Center in Amman today to schedule your consultation and find out how we can help you achieve a comfortable, pain-free smile.
FAQ’S About Tooth Sensitivity
Q: Does tooth sensitivity mean I have a cavity? A: Not necessarily. While a cavity can certainly cause sensitivity, many other factors like worn enamel, gum recession, or teeth grinding can also be the cause. It is important to have a dentist examine your teeth to determine the exact reason.
Q: Can I whiten my teeth if I have sensitivity? A: Teeth whitening can sometimes increase sensitivity, especially if you already have the condition. However, at Crown Dental Center, we can discuss options for professional whitening that are gentler on your teeth and can be combined with desensitizing treatments to minimize discomfort.
Q: How long does it take for sensitivity to go away after treatment? A: This depends on the cause and the treatment. At-home desensitizing toothpaste can take a few weeks to show results. Professional treatments like fluoride application can provide more immediate relief, while more extensive procedures like a filling or root canal will eliminate the sensitivity once the tooth has healed.
📍 Visit us in Tla’ Al Ali, Amman – next to Ibn Al-Haytham Hospital
📞 Call now to book: +962 6 560 2588
This article will help you understand the common causes of tooth sensitivity and show you how our expert team in Amman can help you find relief.
Understanding What Causes Tooth Sensitivity
To effectively treat tooth sensitivity, we first need to identify its cause. The pain you feel is often a signal that the protective layers of your teeth have been compromised, exposing the dentin underneath. Dentin contains microscopic tubes that lead directly to the tooth’s nerve, which reacts to changes in temperature or pressure.
Here are some of the most common reasons you might be experiencing sensitivity:
Worn Enamel: The hard outer layer of your tooth (enamel) can wear away over time due to acidic foods, aggressive brushing, or teeth grinding (bruxism), leaving the dentin exposed.
Exposed Tooth Roots: Your gums can recede, exposing the tooth roots which are not protected by enamel and are highly sensitive. This can be caused by gum disease or brushing too hard.
Cracked or Chipped Teeth: A crack can allow bacteria to penetrate the tooth and irritate the nerve, causing intermittent pain.
Cavities: Tooth decay creates holes in the enamel, exposing the inner layers of the tooth to temperature changes and sugars.
Recent Dental Procedures: It’s normal to experience temporary sensitivity after a filling, crown placement, or professional teeth whitening. This typically subsides within a few weeks.
Effective Solutions for Lasting Relief at Crown Dental
While some sensitivity can be managed at home, it’s crucial to get a professional diagnosis to rule out a more serious underlying issue. At Crown Dental Center, we offer a range of solutions tailored to your specific needs.
▪ Professional Fluoride Treatments: Your dentist can apply a fluoride varnish to your teeth. This treatment helps to strengthen the enamel and the exposed dentin, providing a barrier that reduces sensitivity.
▪ Dental Fillings and Crowns: If sensitivity is caused by a cavity, chipped tooth, or a worn filling, a new filling or a dental crown can seal the exposed dentin and restore the tooth’s structure.
▪ Dental Bonding: For exposed tooth roots due to gum recession, a special resin material can be applied to cover the sensitive areas, acting as a protective layer.
▪ Gum Grafts: In severe cases of gum recession, a gum graft may be necessary to cover the exposed root, protecting it from sensitivity and further damage.
▪ Root Canal Therapy: When sensitivity is persistent and severe, it may indicate damage to the tooth’s nerve. A root canal procedure can remove the infected pulp, eliminating the pain and saving the tooth.
Tips for Preventing Sensitivity at Home
Beyond professional treatment, you can take simple steps at home to prevent and manage tooth sensitivity:
▪ Use a Desensitizing Toothpaste: These toothpastes are specially formulated with ingredients like potassium nitrate to block pain signals from reaching the nerves.
▪ Brush Gently: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush with gentle, circular motions to avoid wearing down your enamel and irritating your gums.
▪ Limit Acidic Foods and Drinks: Reduce your intake of sodas, citrus fruits, and other acidic foods that can erode enamel. ▪ Wear a Night Guard: If you grind your teeth at night, a custom-fitted night guard can protect your teeth from the excessive pressure that leads to enamel wear.
Don’t let tooth sensitivity dictate what you can and can’t eat. The solution is just a phone call away. Contact Crown Dental Center in Amman today to schedule your consultation and find out how we can help you achieve a comfortable, pain-free smile.
FAQ’S About Tooth Sensitivity
Q: Does tooth sensitivity mean I have a cavity? A: Not necessarily. While a cavity can certainly cause sensitivity, many other factors like worn enamel, gum recession, or teeth grinding can also be the cause. It is important to have a dentist examine your teeth to determine the exact reason.
Q: Can I whiten my teeth if I have sensitivity? A: Teeth whitening can sometimes increase sensitivity, especially if you already have the condition. However, at Crown Dental Center, we can discuss options for professional whitening that are gentler on your teeth and can be combined with desensitizing treatments to minimize discomfort.
Q: How long does it take for sensitivity to go away after treatment? A: This depends on the cause and the treatment. At-home desensitizing toothpaste can take a few weeks to show results. Professional treatments like fluoride application can provide more immediate relief, while more extensive procedures like a filling or root canal will eliminate the sensitivity once the tooth has healed.
📍 Visit us in Tla’ Al Ali, Amman – next to Ibn Al-Haytham Hospital
📞 Call now to book: +962 6 560 2588