All About Tooth Sensitivity

Sensitivity is a serious dental condition. People who have thin-layered teeth frequently suffer from it. The teeth become sensitive when exposed to extreme temperatures or when the sensitive layers make contact with foreign materials or objects. Dentists in cities like Collierville consider this issue as serious because of the complications it can lead to certain procedures. Some dental issues being treated worsen because of sudden sensitivity problem arising during the operation.

A tooth consists of three major layers: the enamel, the dentine and the pulp. The enamel is the hardest and thickest layer of the teeth. It is harder than any other tissues in the body. Without this layer, the teeth cannot grind solid food. It also protects the inner and softer layers of the tooth. The dentine, on the other hand, is the calcified tissue. This is softer and more sensitive to extreme temperatures than the enamel.

The dentine covers the pulp. It provides a considerable thickness to prevent objects penetrating through the enamel from making direct contact with the pulp, which is the softest component of the teeth. The pulp contains the nerves responsible for the teeth’s sensation. When a foreign object makes contact with the pulp, sensitivity occurs. To avoid such condition, the enamel and the dentine should be in good shape.

Sensitivity causes the deadly cavity. As the teeth decay because of the lactic acid created by the enzymes from bacteria and the sugar from food, the inner layers of the teeth become exposed. The enamel, no matter how hard it is, can slowly corrode, exposing the dentine to direct contact with substances. A dentist in Collierville recommends that those who have cavity avoid food that are too hot or too cold.

Despite its hard nature, the enamel has pores leading directly to the nerves inside the pulp. That is why in some cases, the teeth become sensitive despite the absence of cavity or exposed inner layer. Dentists in Collierville remedy this problem by administering anti-sensitivity substances, which can be bought over the counter.

During a medical procedure, like teeth whitening, that may involve abrasion or reduction of the surface of the teeth, dentists Collierville normally administer sedative drugs to prevent such normal responses to stimulations. Usually, after the operation, they advise their patients to use anti-sensitivity toothpastes until the sensitivity recedes.