Tooth sensitivity is a type of condition that can be frustrating when it occurs but quickly forgotten when you don’t experience it for a lengthy period of time. Particularly severe sensitivity in the teeth can go so far as being painful, which means that you should consider your treatment options. Tooth sensitivity usually occurs when you are eating or drinking something hot or cold, such as hot coffee or cold ice cream. Sensitive teeth may be the result of an underlying problem that should be treated before it worsens. It’s also possible for tooth sensitivity to get worse, which is why it’s recommended that you seek treatment quickly once you start experiencing it.
Why You May Suffer From Teeth Sensitivity
There are a large number of causes for tooth sensitivity. The main reason this sensitivity takes place is that the dentin in your tooth has lost some of its protective enamel covering, which means that the nerve endings within the dentin can become exposed to anything you eat or drink. If you use a hard toothbrush or brush aggressively on a consistent basis, it’s possible for the enamel on one or more of your teeth to erode and cause the development of sensitivity. Beverages and foods that consist of high amounts of acid could also erode your teeth to the point where sensitivity occurs.
If your gum recedes by a substantial amount, the surface of the tooth root could become exposed. Another common cause is when you grind your teeth when sleeping at night, which is a cause that can be difficult to properly identify. In the event that you haven’t been practicing good oral hygiene, it’s possible that you will start to experience general tooth decay or fillings that have become worn and leaky. In any case, these issues can bring about sensitivity in the tooth until they are properly addressed. It’s also common for you to experience sensitivity in the teeth directly after you receive some form of dental treatment. This is exceedingly common and should be temporary. If ever the sensitivity doesn’t subside, you may want to consider a laser treatment.
Benefits of Using Lasers To Eliminate Sensitivity
The primary benefit of using this type of technology is that your sensitivity should be completely eliminated once you receive the treatment. In most cases, these procedures won’t require the usage of anesthesia and can help to reduce the amount of anxiety you experience due to the minimal amount of pain that is felt during treatment. Damage to the surrounding tooth is also kept to a minimum. Another benefit of using lasers to eliminate sensitivity is that these lasers will sterilize the surrounding area, which helps to keep bacteria away.
Types of Lasers Used With This Procedure
The types of lasers that are used to eliminate tooth sensitivity are similar to the ones used within laser resurfacing procedures with the skin. Although there are a variety of toothpastes that are designed to assist with a person’s tooth sensitivity, the results are usually temporary and may not be effective for people who are suffering from a large amount of sensitivity. In this case, you may want to consider the usage of laser treatments. These treatments are not invasive at all and should provide you with complete relief from sensitivity due to the fact that the lasers attack the source of the sensitivity itself.
The three main types of lasers used to eliminate tooth sensitivity include CO2 lasers, Erbium lasers, and diode lasers. The goal of each type of laser is to seal up the dentinal tubules that can develop within the dentin of a tooth. The dentin is the layer of the tooth that is located just below the white enamel surface. Tubules are microscopic channels that can adversely affect your tooth to the point where you experience either hot or cold sensitivity. Each of the three lasers mentioned previously can close up the tubules. While future tubules may develop in the area for any number of reasons, the ones that are closed with the usage of lasers should be closed for good.
An erbium laser is a very mild type of laser that is designed to be used for patients who are only suffering from a minor amount of sensitivity. This laser was cleared to be used on both enamel and dentin in the late 20th century and has been effective at sending out wavelengths that will treat the core issue without causing pain to the person receiving the treatment. The CO2 laser is a carbon dioxide laser that is among the most effective for severe cases of tooth sensitivity. The cosmetic dentist who uses this laser can control the amount of energy sent by the beam to the treatment area as well as the exact depth of penetration. There are several ways in which this type of laser can be used, which means that the treatment can be personalized. Diode lasers make use of semiconductor technology to produce a narrow beam of light that is directed at the enamel or dentin of your tooth. Ask your cosmetic dentist which of these lasers is right for you.
Risks Associated With Using Lasers to Treat Tooth Sensitivity
There are several risks that you should consider when choosing this type of treatment. Even though most laser procedures won’t require the use of anesthesia, some will. Laser treatment is also one of the costlier treatments available for tooth sensitivity, although it’s important to remember that it’s among the only treatments that can permanently eliminate the sensitivity as opposed to only getting rid of it temporarily. Your cosmetic dentist will be able to inform you about any additional risks.
Dr. Marc Lazare, DDS specializes in cosmetic dentistry and holds a fellowship within the International Academy for Dental-Facial Esthetics as well as the Academy of General Dentistry. He has invented a number of different dental procedures and has administered a large number of cosmetic dentistry procedures.