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.