Experiencing tooth sensitivity in Nanaimo? If hot, cold, or pressure triggers discomfort, it could be a sign of advanced decay or infection, possibly requiring a filling or root canal treatment—visit your Nanaimo dentist for prompt evaluation and care.
Tooth sensitivity–it’s that sudden, sharp jolt of discomfort you feel when you sip a hot coffee or bite into an ice cream cone. And while it might make you pause mid-bite, tooth sensitivity is actually pretty common, and most of the time, it’s nothing to panic about. But when does tooth sensitivity warrant an emergency trip to your Nanaimo dentist?
Stemming from a few different causes, tooth sensitivity can sometimes be remedied at home, while other times, your tooth sensitivity is a sign of a dental emergency and would benefit from an immediate visit to your Nanaimo dental clinic. Either way, if you experience tooth sensitivity, it’s something that can be treated and managed with the right dental care.
What is tooth sensitivity?
Most people who experience tooth sensitivity know they have it without question—they experience discomfort or sharp pain when eating or drinking things that are hot, cold, sweet, or acidic. Tooth sensitivity can also become apparent during brushing or flossing certain teeth causing discomfort. But what is tooth sensitivity, really? Tooth sensitivity is a common dental issue that occurs when the inner part of your tooth, known as the dentin, becomes exposed. It may feel like a brief, sudden jolt of pain or a dull ache in the affected tooth.
Why is my tooth all of a sudden sensitive?
Tooth sensitivity is something many people experience, and it can be caused by a variety of factors–some of them are nothing to worry about, while others require prompt attention. Some cases of tooth sensitivity are simply due to natural wear and tear, which isn’t necessarily a cause for concern—but it’s still a good idea to mention it to your dentist at your next checkup. On the other hand, sensitivity caused by issues like severe decay, fractured teeth, or gum disease may indicate an underlying infection that requires immediate treatment.
For instance, it’s completely normal to experience some temporary tooth sensitivity after your Nanaimo dental appointment, especially following treatments like fillings, teeth whitening, or other cosmetic and restorative procedures. This kind of sensitivity is usually short-lived, and your Nanaimo dentist will provide guidance on how to manage it and when to contact us if it becomes prolonged. However, there are also more persistent causes of tooth sensitivity that are worth noting.
One of the most common reasons for tooth sensitivity that our dental team sees at Nanaimo Smiles is enamel erosion. Over time, the enamel—the protective outer layer of your teeth—can wear down due to factors like brushing too hard, consuming acidic foods and drinks, or even the natural aging process. When the enamel thins, it exposes the sensitive inner part of the tooth, known as dentin, which can lead to discomfort, especially when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet foods.
Gum recession is another cause, where the gums pull back from the teeth, exposing the roots and making them more sensitive. This can result from aggressive brushing or gum disease. Other factors include cavities, cracked teeth, and teeth grinding, which can also expose deeper layers of the tooth, causing sensitivity.
At Nanaimo Smiles, we understand how uncomfortable tooth sensitivity can be and are committed to helping you find the right solutions, whether through at-home maintenance or prompt, emergency dental care in our Nanaimo dental clinic.
Can a sensitive tooth go back to normal?
At Nanaimo Smiles, we often get asked if tooth sensitivity will just go away on its own, with treatment or at all. In some cases, if your tooth sensitivity is mild and linked to a recent dental treatment, like a filling or teeth whitening, it will likely improve over time. However, if your tooth sensitivity sticks around or is caused by things like worn-down enamel, gum recession, or cavities, it’s not likely to go away without the appropriate dental treatment. It’s important to get to the root cause of the problem, so it doesn’t get worse. If you’re dealing with persistent tooth sensitivity, we recommend coming in for a dental check-up so we can help figure out what’s going on and find the right dental solution to bring you relief.
How can I reduce tooth sensitivity quickly?
If you’re dealing with tooth sensitivity, the Nanaimo Smiles team is here to help you determine the cause of your discomfort and the best way to relieve it. The first step is to visit our Nanaimo dental clinic for a check-up so we can take a closer look and figure out whether your tooth sensitivity is caused by factors like worn-down enamel, gum recession, cavities, or something else altogether.
While every patient’s tooth sensitivity treatment plan will vary based on the root cause of the discomfort, the first step is always an examination with our Nanaimo dental team to determine the best course of action. If your sensitivity is caused by enamel erosion, our dentists may suggest fluoride treatments to help strengthen the enamel. If gum recession is the culprit, options like scaling, gum grafting, or other restorative treatments to cover the exposed roots and prevent further gum loss may be the right option. For sensitivity related to cavities or cracks, your Nanaimo dentist will restore your tooth with a root canal, fillings, crowns, or bonding to protect the sensitive areas and keep the inner parts safe. If grinding your teeth is contributing to the issue, we can create a custom night guard to help prevent further damage while you sleep. We may also recommend desensitizing toothpaste to manage discomfort and offer tips on lifestyle changes to help protect your teeth moving forward.
How to know if tooth sensitivity is serious?
If your tooth sensitivity lasts more than a few days or seems to get worse over time, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your Nanaimo dentist. Lingering sensitivity, especially when triggered by hot, cold, or sweet foods, could be a sign of an underlying issue like cavities, gum disease, or enamel erosion. These problems are often easier to treat if caught early, so it’s always better to address them sooner rather than later. You should also be mindful if you’re experiencing additional symptoms, such as pain while chewing, bleeding gums, or a visible crack in a tooth—these could point to more serious issues that need prompt attention by your Nanaimo dentist.
Tooth Sensitivity and Emergency Dental Care in Nanaimo, BC
At Nanaimo Smiles, our team of dental professionals are committed to helping reduce discomfort caused by tooth sensitivity with prompt availability and efficient treatment plans. With six dentists working across two locations six days a week, the Nanaimo Smiles team is proud to provide emergency dental care to Nanaimo and the surrounding communities.
If you have any questions about tooth sensitivity or emergency dental care in Nanaimo, please contact our dental team today.