What are Sensitive Teeth or teeth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity, also known as dentin hypersensitivity, happens when the enamel on your teeth wears away. It can also occur when your gums recede, exposing the dentin underneath.

This condition can lead to discomfort or pain, especially when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages.

Causes of sensitive teeth

Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Our patients in Etobicoke dental clinic often experience tooth sensitivity for various reasons, including:

Post-Dental Treatments: Procedures like teeth whitening or fillings can cause temporary sensitivity.

Enamel Erosion: Consuming acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits or soda, can wear away enamel.

Gum Recession: Poor oral hygiene or aggressive brushing can lead to receding gums, exposing sensitive root surfaces.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Frequent grinding or clenching can wear down enamel over time.

Dental Issues: Cracks, chips, or untreated cavities can expose the inner layers of the tooth.

Signs of Sensitive Teeth

If you find yourself in pain when you consume hot or cold beverages or foods, it might be a sign that you have sensitive teeth. This sudden discomfort can come from different problems. These include an exposed tooth root, enamel erosion, or a cavity. These issues make your teeth more sensitive to extreme temperatures.

If you find that your teeth are very sensitive to acidic or sweet foods and drinks, this may signal dental problems. These issues could include enamel erosion or cavities. These conditions can weaken your teeth and make them more sensitive to pain from certain foods.

Moreover, for individuals with sensitive teeth, cold weather can be a challenge. Some might experience significant pain when breathing in cold air.

This reaction shows that teeth are very sensitive to temperature changes. This includes changes from the environment, not just from food and drink. If you have these symptoms, it’s important to see a dentist. They can find out why your teeth are sensitive and suggest the right treatment.

Treatment Options for sensitive teeth in Etobicoke

Our treatment arsenal is stocked with solutions tailored to your unique needs, from desensitizing toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) to fluoride treatments, bonding, gum grafts, and even root canal surgery for the most severe cases.

Effective Treatment Options for sensitive teeth

At Thorncrest Dental, we offer a range of advanced treatments to relieve tooth sensitivity:

1. Fluoride Treatments:
   • Strengthens tooth enamel and reduces pain associated with exposed dentin.
2. Desensitizing Agents:
   • In-office applications can block pain signals from reaching the tooth nerve.
3. Dental Bonding:
   • Covers exposed root surfaces to reduce sensitivity.
4. Gum Grafting:
   • Restores receding gums and protects tooth roots.
5. Custom Mouthguards:
   • Protect your teeth from grinding damage while you sleep.

Procedure Details: How to treat sensitive teeth

Our dentist office in Etobicoke offers personalized care to relieve teeth sensitivity. Our approach begins with a thorough evaluation to identify the root cause of your sensitivity. Here’s what to expect:

• Initial Consultation: A detailed discussion about your symptoms, dietary habits, and oral hygiene practices.
• Oral Examination: A comprehensive check to spot signs of decay, wear, and gum disease.
• Diagnostic Tests: Including X-rays or sensitivity tests to pinpoint the exact areas of concern.
• Treatment Planning: Based on the diagnosis, we’ll propose a tailored treatment plan. This may include one or more of the following:
  • Desensitizing Treatments: Application of specialized toothpaste or gels to block pain signals from the nerve.
  • Fluoride Therapy: In-office or at-home fluoride treatments to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce pain.
  • Dental Bonding: Applying a protective resin to exposed roots or damaged areas.
  • Gum Graft Surgery: For severe cases where gum recession exposes roots, grafting can cover exposed areas and reduce sensitivity.
  • Root Canal Therapy: A definitive solution for persistent, severe sensitivity not relieved by other treatments.

Each procedure is performed with the utmost care, ensuring your comfort and addressing the specific needs of your hypersensitive teeth.

The cost of treatment for sensitive teeth in Etobicoke

Understanding the costs associated with treatments for tooth sensitivity can help you make informed decisions about your dental care. Below is an overview of common treatments and their approximate costs in the Etobicoke area:

1. Fluoride Treatments:

• Purpose: Strengthen tooth enamel and reduce pain from exposed dentin.
• Cost: Typically ranges from $20 to $50 per session. Many dental insurance plans cover this preventive treatment. NQ Dental

2. Desensitizing Agents:

• Purpose: In-office applications that block pain signals to the tooth nerve.
• Cost: Approximately $30 to $100 per application, depending on the specific agent used and the number of teeth treated.

3. Dental Bonding:

• Purpose: Covers exposed root surfaces to reduce sensitivity.
• Cost: Ranges from $300 to $600 per tooth, varying based on the extent of the area treated and the materials used.

4. Gum Grafting:

• Purpose: Restores receding gums and protects tooth roots.
• Cost: The cost can vary significantly. For example, Atlas Dental in Toronto charges $1,500 plus a material expense of $250 per tooth site using a minimally invasive soft tissue grafting technique. Atlas Dental

5. Custom Mouthguards:

• Purpose: Protect teeth from grinding damage during sleep.
• Cost: Typically between $300 and $500, depending on the materials used and whether the mouthguard is fabricated in-office or by a dental laboratory.

5. Root canal therapy:

• Purpose: Repair damaged nerve
• Cost: Typically between $600 and $1300, depending on the tooth location, number of nerves and condition of the tooth

Please note that these are approximate costs and can vary based on individual cases, the dental practice, and specific treatment requirements. It’s advisable to consult with your dentist for a personalized treatment plan and accurate cost estimate.