Diagnosing and Treating Tooth Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
Remember when you were a kid, and you’d come in from the cold and your mother would be waiting for you with a cup of hot cocoa? Or how good a nice ice pop would taste on a hot summer’s day with the sun beating down? If tooth sensitivity to hot and cold has robbed you of such delights as these, the cause could be a dental problem, and a vastly improved quality of life could be a simple restorative dentistry treatment away.
Many people believe that tooth sensitivity to hot and cold is just something that happens with age, that it’s something they have to learn to live with. Fortunately, this is usually not the case. In most cases, Dr. Roni Berbari is able to diagnose and treat the causes of tooth sensitivity to hot and cold at his Montreal, QC cosmetic, restorative, and general dentistry practice, giving patients the opportunity to once again enjoy their favorite foods and beverages without pain or discomfort.
In addition, in many cases, sensitivity to hot and cold is an indicator of a more serious oral health problem on the horizon, and by getting it treated in its earlier stages, patients are able to avoid more extensive - and expensive - treatments down the road.
Are you tired of experiencing tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures? If so, we encourage you to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Roni Berbari at Montreal Smiles today.
Why Do the Teeth Become Sensitive to Hot and Cold Temperatures?
Believe it or not, your teeth are actually quite porous; each tooth has thousands of tiny holes that open to microscopic tubules leading to the dental pulp that resides within the tooth, inside the root canals. These holes are located in the layer of teeth called dentin, and in a healthy tooth, they are inaccessible. This is because they are protected by a strong outer layer called enamel above the gum line and a layer called cementum beneath the gum line. As long as these protective layers remain intact, the liquid-filled tubules remain impervious to hot and cold temperatures.
If, however, the enamel or the cementum become eroded or are otherwise damaged, the tubules will be exposed. When an exposed tubule detects a sudden, extreme change in temperature, a signal will be sent to the nerve-rich dental pulp. This signal may be a fleeting pain, a “zapping” sensation, or another sign of discomfort or distress.
The appropriate treatment for tooth sensitivity to hot and cold will depend on what is causing the tubules to be exposed. Sometimes, a change in brushing habits and a fluoride treatment may be sufficient. If more extensive damage has been done, a tooth-colored filling, dental crown, or treatment for gum disease may be necessary. Dr. Berbari will prescribe the most conservative treatment that is likely to provide the most effective results.
Learn More about Tooth Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
To learn more about tooth sensitivity to hot and cold, please contact Montreal Smiles today.
