Does it hurt your teeth when you drink cold beverages or eat cold foods? Are you experiencing pain due to an injured tooth? We can help. There are many causes of tooth sensitivity, just as there are solutions. Our dental team assists patients with tooth sensitivity in Newport News, VA. We can provide comfortable treatment to relieve sensitivity and restore normal function to the smile. Our goal is to prevent discomfort and renew patients’ oral health.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Sensitive and painful teeth can have many causes, including:
- Tooth decay (cavities)
- Fractured teeth
- Worn fillings
- Gum disease
- Worn tooth enamel
- Exposed tooth root
Tooth damage and decay are some of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity. Please contact our office if you notice changes in your oral health. It is much simpler to treat dental problems as soon as they appear. Over time, as symptoms progress, we will need to provide more complex care, like root canal treatment.
How to Treat Sensitive Teeth in Newport News, VA
At home, you can brush with desensitizing toothpaste. These kinds of toothpaste contain compounds that block sensation from the tooth’s surface to the nerves inside the teeth. It may take several times for you to reduce sensitivity.
In our office, we can provide these treatments for patients with sensitive teeth:
Fluoride Gel
This in-office technique strengthens tooth enamel and also reduces the transmission of sensations to teeth. Fluoride is a natural mineral typically used to remineralize teeth and protect against cavities. However, by strengthening the enamel, we can also minimize tooth pain and sensitivity. We will also recommend that patients brush with a fluoride toothpaste at home and drink fluoridated water.
Dental Crowns, Veneers, and Bonding Treatment
Patients with damaged teeth benefit from treatments that cover and protect the enamel. Dental crowns fully cover teeth like caps. Porcelain veneers cover the front of teeth with shell-like restorations. A dental bonding treatment can cover chips, cracks, and even discoloration on the front, bottom, or top of teeth. We will recommend the right restorative or cosmetic treatment for your needs and your particular type of tooth damage.
Root Canal
We may recommend root canal treatment if sensitivity is severe and a sign of dental infection. A root canal removes infected dental pulp from a tooth. The pulp is made up of nerves, cells, and blood vessels that keep a tooth alive. Removing the pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing the tooth preserve the natural tooth’s structure and prevents sensitivity caused by infection.
Have you noticed that your teeth are more sensitive than usual? Treat your sensitive teeth in Newport News today. Contact Dr. William Harper for treatment at 757.414.7227. You may also schedule your next dental appointment with us on our website.