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Posts for tag: Tooth Sensitivity

By Reno Laser Dentistry
March 27, 2012
Category: dentist reno

Does your tooth sensitivity occur constantly or intermittently? Sometimes intermittent tooth sensitivity can occur while ingesting hot or cold beverages. So what happens if the case is constantly is it really tooth sensitivity or is it something more perhaps nerve damage?

According to an article at colgate.com, “what is tooth sensitivity and what causes tooth sensitivity”

"Tooth sensitivity is something that affects a number of people. It is often caused by eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet or acidic. Under normal conditions, the underlying dentin of the tooth (the layer that immediately surrounds the nerve) is covered by the enamel in the tooth crown, and the gums that surround the tooth. Over time, the enamel covering can get thinner, thus providing less protection. The gums can also recede over time, exposing the underlying root surface dentin.

The dentin contains a large numbers of pores or tubes that run from the outside of the tooth to the nerve in the center. When the dentin is exposed, these tubes can be stimulated by changes in temperature or certain foods. Here is an image of what the dentin tubes look like under the microscope:

What causes it?

  • Exposure of the dentin can occur due to a number of factors. Some of the more common reasons are:
  • Gum recession due to age or improper tooth brushing
  • Acidic beverages (such as soda) that cause enamel erosion and dentin exposure
  • Tooth grinding – this may actually cause most or all of the teeth to feel sensitive
  • Brushing with a very abrasive toothpaste, brushing incorrectly and/or brushing more than three times a day could result in a loss of enamel
  • Gum disease, which can result in gum recession
  • A chipped or fractured tooth may expose the dentin

In addition, some dental treatments can cause sensitivity. Treatments such as such as teeth whitening, professional dental cleanings, having braces put on or getting a filling placed have been known to cause sensitivity during or after the procedure.

What can I do about it?

The first step in doing something about dental sensitivity is to find out what the cause is – a dental professional can help you with this. If the sensitivity is due to exposed dentin, there are a number of steps you can take, as can your dental professional, to help reduce the sensitivity."

Click here to read the entire article:

Suffer from tooth sensitivity, need to make an appointment with the best dentist in Reno then click here to contact Dr. McElhinney of renolaserdentistry.com. Dr. McElhinney has 34 years of experience in the dental industry.

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By Reno Laser Dentistry
December 16, 2011
Category: dental

We all have been bothered by that annoying aching toothache. Some may even cringe just hearing the word. A toothache is pain that may occur in the teeth, jaw or gums. There are different types of toothaches which can determine the kind of oral health issue you may be experiencing. Regardless of the type of toothache you should be evaluated by a dental professional immediately. Once your dentist has diagnosed the type of toothache an antibiotic may be prescribed. Even though the infection is gone due to the antibiotics you were taking. However, the cause of the infection has not been eliminated and the infection will return in the future if you don’t follow the prescribed treatment. You could even have more bone damage from an infection or lose the tooth due to continued decay. Depending on the severity of the infection, a dental patient may undergo a root canal treatment or tooth extraction.

One issue patients may not fully understand is that if you choose not to follow-up with a dental professional an infection can lead to a more serious one called “systemic”, occurs when microorganisms spread throughout the body in the bloodstream. This is a serious matter especially for patients with a compromised immune system.

The good news is that due to advances in the dental industry patients simply have no need to endure unnecessary swelling, pain and suffering, and expenses by delaying the proper treatment. Contact Dr. McElhinney’s dental staff located in Reno with any concerns or questions you may have.

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