Tackling Tooth Sensitivity

Dentinal hypersensitivity is a common patient complaint, with a variable reported prevalence rate ranging from 11% to 36% of the population.¹ While identifying the root cause of dentinal hypersensitivity is difficult and may be subjective, investigating its etiology is a prudent first step. Often etiologies are multifactorial and patients may experience many underlying causes of dentinal exposure and subsequent dentinal hypersensitivity. Initial causes of gingival recession can include periodontal phenotype, inflammatory periodontal disease, toothbrush abrasion, acid erosion, behavioral factors, and anatomical factors.²

Principles of Therapy

Treatment is then based on addressing the underlying issue. As the hydrodynamic theory is the best explanation for stimuli transmission through the dentinal tubules, the principles of therapy for dentinal hypersensitivity include:

1. Reduction or elimination of irritating stimuli
2. Dentinal tubule obliteration
3. Dentinal tubule coverage
4. Prevention of nerve activation and transmission

Elimination diets and addressing traumatic habits, utilization of restorative or soft-tissue grafting approaches to cover exposed root surfaces, products to precipitate material into exposed dentinal tubules, and nerve depolarization may also help reduce sensitivity.

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* References and figures can be found in the original article via the link above.