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When To Worry About Dental Sensitivity

How often do you find yourself recoiling after consuming something hot or cold because of a spike in tooth sensitivity? Are you growing concerned over persistent pain or sensitivity in a specific tooth? How long can these uncomfortable feelings go on before you see a need to see your dentist? At our Seattle, WA dental practice, we can help you understand why sensitivity is affecting your smile, and what treatment options are available to you. This is a problem that can have several causes, and may sometimes demand restorative dental treatment. At regular dental exams, we can look out for early signs of trouble, then provide necessary intervention to protect you against the onset of persistent discomfort.

When Sensitivity Starts To Affect Your Ability To Eat And Drink

You can have a hard time with sensitivity that affects your ability to eat and drink. An uncomfortable response to temperature extremes or more sugary products can occur because of enamel erosion, or due to trouble with gum line recession. It is also possible that not addressing an issue with bruxism, which causes a person to grind their teeth throughout the night, is causing your discomfort. Pain or sensitivity that affects a specific tooth can point to a problem with tooth decay, something that we should address as soon as possible.

Sensitivity Can Be A Sign Of Tooth Decay

Increased sensitivity is a sign of tooth decay, and may even be a warning that your cavity has led to an infection. If this has already occurred, root canal therapy can be necessary as part of a larger plan to restore your oral health. Once this work is done, we can cap your tooth with a custom crown for its protection. Remember that timely treatment for a cavity reduces the damage you ultimately need addressed. At regular exams, we can look for cavities that have not yet caused sensitivity issues and provide the appropriate support.

Other Issues That Can Make Teeth Sensitive

Sensitivity can stem from enamel erosion, which can occur because of your diet, problems with excess friction on teeth, and natural wear and tear through the years. Your discomfort can also be evidence of a teeth grinding habit. In some cases, this may be a matter that alerts you to a problem with your gums. Gum line recession, a symptom of gingivitis, exposes portions of your teeth that are less protected naturally and more likely to react to certain pressures and temperatures.

Talk To Your Seattle, WA Dentist If Your Teeth Feel Sore Or Sensitive

Soreness, sensitivity, and other forms of discomfort that affect your smile should not be ignored! If they are, you can let a problem with your oral health worsen gradually and impact your quality of life as well as your appearance. To find out more about how we can help you deal with this issue, call our Seattle, WA dentist’s office at 206-789-2555.

Cosmetic, Restorative, and General Dentistry

It is our goal to provide comprehensive dental care for your whole family. Our wide range of services means that you can see us for all of your needs — without having to visit multiple practices to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.