Chances are, you have experienced the discomfort of sensitive teeth.  Sensitivity in the  mouth can be a sign of other underlying issues.  Teeth feature three primary layers: the protective outer enamel, the sensitive dentin, and at the core, a canal that houses nerves and connective tissue. Enamel is the hardest tissue in the body and the second hardest naturally occurring substance on our planet. Dentin is a softer tissue that features tiny tubules, or channels, that allow sensations of pressure and temperature to be conducted to the tooth’s nerve. The nerves that lie within the inner canal then send signals to the brain.

Thin Enamel

Acid erosion and tooth wear can thin the protective enamel on the outside of teeth. Thin enamel provides less insulation, making teeth more sensitive to temperature fluctuations and pressure. Erosion is most often caused by acid in foods or from stomach acid. Enamel wear most often results from grinding and clenching teeth, a condition called bruxism.

Exposed Dentin

The crowns of teeth are covered with enamel, but the roots are not. If the gums recede, roots become exposed. The slightest pressure, such as that from wind, can cause intense pain to exposed teeth roots. Temperature fluctuations will also cause discomfort. Gums can recede for a number of reasons, including gum disease, grinding, or aging.

Structural Damage

Often, a cavity, chip, or crack causes a toothache or tooth sensitivity. The deeper a structural fault on a tooth, the more sensitive the tooth becomes. A topical lesion may cause no discomfort, but a lesion that extends into the dentin can cause intense or acute pain.

Internal Infection

If a cavity, chip, or crack extends past the dentin and into a tooth’s canal, the nerve can be exposed to bacteria. Ultimately, the bacteria will infect the pulp, infection builds and causes pressure, and the tooth becomes intensely painful. Left untreated, the tooth can die and the infection may lead to an abscess or blood-borne infection.

Treating Sensitive Teeth

During your checkup, Dr. Pate will thoroughly examine your teeth for signs of structural damage and infection. In some cases, sensitivity toothpaste can help relieve tooth pain. However, tooth wear, structural damage, and internal infection require restorative dental treatment.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Pate, call Dentistry in Buckhead at (404) 266-9424. We proudly welcome patients from the Buckhead area, as well as Sandy Springs, Lenox, Brookhaven, Atlanta, and surrounding communities.