Tooth Sensitivity Treatment in Turners Falls, MA
If hot coffee, cold ice cream, or even a breath of cold air causes a sharp, sudden jolt of tooth pain, you may be dealing with tooth sensitivity — one of the most common dental complaints in adults. The good news is that tooth sensitivity is very treatable. At Turners Falls Dental, Dr. Collura will identify the cause of your sensitivity and develop a targeted plan to relieve it. Call (413) 774-6553 to schedule your evaluation.
What Is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity — clinically known as dentin hypersensitivity — occurs when the dentin layer of the tooth becomes exposed. Dentin is the softer tissue beneath the hard outer enamel. It contains microscopic tubules that connect to the nerve at the center of the tooth. When these tubules are exposed to temperature changes, pressure, or sweet and acidic foods, they transmit sensations to the nerve — resulting in that familiar sharp, brief pain.
Sensitivity can affect one tooth or many. It may come and go, or it may be a constant, worsening problem. In either case, it’s worth getting checked at Turners Falls Dental, because sensitivity is often a symptom of an underlying dental condition that needs treatment.
Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
There are several reasons why dentin becomes exposed and sensitivity develops:
- Enamel erosion: Acidic foods, beverages, and acid reflux can gradually wear away tooth enamel, exposing the dentin beneath
- Gum recession: When the gums pull back from the teeth — often due to gum disease or aggressive brushing — the root surfaces become exposed. Root surfaces don’t have enamel protection, making them highly sensitive
- Teeth grinding (bruxism): Chronic clenching and grinding wears down enamel and can cause widespread sensitivity
- Cracked teeth: A crack in a tooth can expose dentin and cause sensitivity, especially when biting
- Tooth decay: Cavities create pathways for temperature and stimuli to reach the nerve
- Worn fillings or crowns: When restorations wear out or develop leaks, the underlying dentin is exposed
- Recent dental procedures: Temporary sensitivity after fillings, crowns, or whitening is common and usually resolves on its own
How Dr. Collura Diagnoses and Treats Tooth Sensitivity
At Turners Falls Dental, Dr. Collura will perform a thorough examination — including digital X-rays and, when appropriate, Cone Beam CT imaging — to identify the source of your sensitivity. Treatment depends on the underlying cause:
- Desensitizing toothpaste or fluoride varnish: For mild sensitivity caused by enamel erosion or early gum recession, professional fluoride application and desensitizing agents can block the dentinal tubules and reduce pain
- Composite fillings: If decay or a worn restoration is the culprit, restoring the tooth with a new filling eliminates the sensitivity pathway
- Dental crowns: For teeth with cracked enamel or extensive structural damage, a crown provides full coverage and eliminates exposure
- Gum disease treatment: Treating the underlying periodontal disease can help prevent further gum recession and stabilize exposed root surfaces
- Night guards: For patients whose sensitivity is related to grinding or clenching, a custom nightguard protects the teeth from further enamel wear
- Root canal treatment: In cases where the nerve itself is inflamed or infected — causing severe, persistent sensitivity — a root canal relieves the pain and saves the tooth
When to See Dr. Collura for Tooth Sensitivity
Occasional mild sensitivity is common and may not require treatment. However, you should schedule an appointment at Turners Falls Dental if:
- Your sensitivity is severe or getting worse
- Sensitivity lingers for more than a few seconds after the stimulus is removed
- One specific tooth is significantly more sensitive than others
- You notice pain when biting or chewing
- Sensitivity is accompanied by swelling, a visible crack, or spontaneous pain
These signs may indicate a more serious underlying condition that needs prompt attention. Call (413) 774-6553 to schedule an evaluation at Turners Falls Dental in Turners Falls, MA.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Sensitivity
Is tooth sensitivity normal?
Mild, occasional sensitivity — such as after teeth whitening or when eating something very cold — can be normal and temporary. However, persistent or worsening sensitivity, or sensitivity in a specific tooth, is a sign that something needs attention. Dr. Collura at Turners Falls Dental can identify the cause and recommend the right treatment.
What triggers tooth sensitivity?
Common triggers include cold drinks or food, hot beverages, sweet or acidic foods, cold air, and pressure from brushing or biting. The specific triggers and the duration of the pain can help Dr. Collura determine the underlying cause of your sensitivity.
Can tooth sensitivity go away on its own?
Sensitivity that follows a recent dental procedure — such as a filling or crown — often resolves on its own within a few weeks. However, sensitivity that develops without a clear cause or that worsens over time typically does not go away without treatment. Call (413) 774-6553 if you’re experiencing ongoing sensitivity.
What toothpaste is best for sensitive teeth?
Toothpastes formulated for sensitive teeth — those containing potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride — can help reduce sensitivity over time. Dr. Collura can recommend a specific product based on the cause of your sensitivity. However, sensitivity toothpaste manages symptoms and does not address the underlying cause, which is why an evaluation at Turners Falls Dental is still important.
Can grinding my teeth cause sensitivity?
Yes. Chronic teeth grinding (bruxism) gradually wears down tooth enamel, exposing the dentin underneath and causing widespread sensitivity. If Dr. Collura suspects grinding is contributing to your sensitivity, he may recommend a custom night guard to protect your teeth during sleep.
Will tooth sensitivity get worse if I don’t treat it?
It depends on the underlying cause. If sensitivity is the result of advancing decay, gum disease, or a cracked tooth, it will almost certainly worsen without treatment. Early intervention at Turners Falls Dental prevents the problem from becoming more serious and more costly to address.