Sensitive Teeth?

Teeth are composed of a fewbasic tissues. Enamel, the hardest substance in the body covers the crown of the tooth, which is what we see clinically. Dentin underlies enamel, making up a bulk inner portion of the tooth. Cementum, which is normally under the gums, covers the root of the tooth and helps anchor the tooth into the jawbone. And finally, the pulp, which houses nerves and blood vessels is within the dentin and extends down into the root.

Gingival recession may occur in some patients due to mechanical or biological irritation. When the gums recede, this exposes the less mineralized cementum, and sometimes dentin. These tissues are more sensitive and when exposed to the oral environment may produce pain. The Hydrodyanmic Theory of dentinal sensitivity is an accepted mechanism that explains this sensation. Dentin is made up of tubules, containing fluid. Changes in osmolarity (concentration), or temperature, causes this fluid to move either inwards, or outwards, which is perceived as pain.


Treatment for dentinal sensitivity is focused on plugging these tubules, or covering them somehow. Colgate's Duraphat Fluoride varnish is a remarkably easy and effective treatment option for patients with sensitive teeth at UBSDM! It's a 5% Fluoride paste that's basically painted onto surfaces that are sensitive and is left on for the rest of the day. We advise patients to avoid hard foods for at least two hours.Restorations may also be placed subgingivally in some cases to treat sensitive teeth. It should be noted that every case is different and may require alternative treatment.

FirstCare* Dental

Clinic-in-the-making Update!

In the past couple of weeks we've made some progress on our start up community dental clinic at 1500 Broadway! We'll be known as UBDDS: FirstCare Dental. Great name since we're literally one of the only dental institutions for the community in that area, and we're anticipating a great deal of urgent care patients. ECMC also has had patients coming in with dental emergencies, so we are hoping to intercept those patients via referral or directly once people know who we are and what we do.

Marketing-wise we'll also be working on a presentation of sorts, to present to those interested in our start-up. Once that is underway, I'll be touching base with someone at the school who is experienced with grant writing. We'll be looking to find additional funds, being that we are a non-profit in an underserved area.

Fridays's meeting consisted of an awesome discussion of the potential services we'll be offering at FirstCare. Since we'll be primarily Medicaid based, our offered procedures will be heavily influenced by what is covered. But we will also have to strike a balance between what's covered, and the demands of patients.