Sensitive Teeth Treatment Q&A

Sudden tooth sensitivity could indicate a handful of problems but is most likely caused by worn-down enamel on a tooth. Enamel protects the tooth as it coats the outer later but if it gets worn down then nerves or tooth roots can be exposed. Those exposed nerves and roots are incredibly sensitive to temperature or pressure, so drinking a cold glass of water or eating a bowl of very hot soup touches the nerves or roots and causes sharp, sudden pains.

The presence of cavities also can cause sensitivity in the tooth as they are damaged in the hard surface of the teeth which develop into small holes or openings. Sensitive teeth can also be caused by gum disease or recent dental procedures such as cleaning, whitening, or filling. Having a good consistent oral hygiene routine is key to preventing tooth sensitivity.

The duration of tooth sensitivity varies depending on the cause. If the sensitivity is caused by a poor dental hygiene routine, then it could go away by improving your routine and diet to prevent further damage. If the sensitivity is caused by worn enamel or exposed nerves or roots, the sensitivity will not diminish until proper treatment is done by a dentist. Often all you need is a cavity to be filled or a crown put in for the tooth sensitivity to subside. However, it is normal to experience continuing tooth sensitivity for a few hours after visiting a dentist, but it should go away pretty quickly.

If your tooth is still sensitive for a few days after treatment, it is recommended that you make another visit to the dentist to ensure everything was properly treated. The duration of tooth sensitivity is also dependent on the severity of the pain, mild sensitivity often will go away on its own whereas severe sensitivity that is affecting your day-to-day life will often require medical attention in order to subside.

Yes, tooth sensitivity can be fixed by whichever treatment is necessary depending on the cause of the pain. If the sensitivity is caused by a recent treatment such as a filling or a root canal, the sensitivity will go away on its own. For cases such as cavities, worn enamel, cracks or chips, or gum disease, it will likely be necessary to visit your dentist to get a crown put in, a filling, or a root canal, in order for the sensitivity to subside.

If you are only experiencing mild sensitivity, it could be fixed just by adjusting your dental hygiene routine, such as switching your toothpaste out for one that is specially made for sensitive teeth or ensuring you are flossing daily, and making certain that you are brushing your teeth twice a day.

It is very common for tooth sensitivity to come and go, especially if it is only mild. The pain caused by tooth sensitivity is often only prevalent when the tooth is exposed to something that causes the pain such as the consumption of something very cold or hot, sweet or sour, so the pain typically will only last for a moment in those cases.

In some cases, if the tooth sensitivity is caused by an exposed nerve, the sensitivity stopping all of a sudden could be an indicator that the nerve has died. However, it is very typical for tooth sensitivity to come and go for no apparent reason, but if your tooth is infected, having the sensitivity waver or go away does not mean that the infection is gone. Contact us for more information, or request an appointment online today! We are conveniently located at 515 West Ave Suite R, Norwalk CT, 06850. We serve patients from Norwalk CT, Stamford CT, Westport CT, Darien CT, Rowayton CT, Wilton CT, New Canaan CT, Fairfield CT, and Bridgeport, CT.