Chicago Dental Implants Dentist Reveals the Underlying Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Experienced Chicago dental implants surgeon, Dr. Irfan Atcha, talks to us about the various underlying causes of tooth sensitivity, which is a very uncomfortable problem experienced by tens of thousands of Americans.
Online, December 19, 2013 (Newswire.com) - If you've ever taken a sip of icy cola or hot coffee and cringed at the almost intolerable deep toothache that follows, chances are you've experienced tooth sensitivity. It's not so much a pain as it is a terribly uncomfortable feeling, like listening to nails drag across a chalkboard. Either way, tooth sensitivity is remarkably common and while it can be completely normal - such as when you take a bite of really cold ice-cream - in some cases it's so severe that Chicago residents can barely tolerate food or beverages that are kept at anything but room temperature.
What causes tooth sensitivity and how can it effectively be treated? We sat down with experienced Chicago dental implants specialist and general dentist, Dr. Irfan Atcha, who took some time to explain this very common dental problem and what it is that can be done about it.
What Causes Teeth to Become Sensitive?
"There are many reasons teeth can become abnormally sensitive to temperature extremes," explains Dr. Atcha. "Most commonly, it's through the exposure of the tooth's root, which is usually protected and insulated by gum tissue. Normally, only the crowns are exposed to whatever it is you put in your mouth and the crowns are protected by dental enamel, which is the hardest substance in the body.
The roots, however, are not protected by enamel. Rather, they are composed of dentine, which is riddled with legions of tiny pores called tubules. Each of these tiny pores is connected to a nerve ending, so anything that comes in direct contact with the root, will be felt by these nerve endings."
Dr. Atcha goes on to explain: "This is why patients are more likely to experience tooth sensitivity localized around the root/s that have become exposed. If you can pinpoint a particular tooth or teeth that have become sensitive, take a look at them in the mirror. If you can see the darker root or a telltale notch in the tooth, where the crown meets the root, then this might explain your problem."
Our question now is what causes the gums to recede from the teeth, leaving the upper parts of the sensitive roots exposed?
"Again, there are many things that might cause gum recession," explains the implant dentist in Chicago. "At our office, we find that the erosion of the enamel caused by a diet high in acid and sugar content and/or alcoholic beverages is a big culprit. Aggressive brushing can also force the gums to recede from the crown. Lip and tongue piercings can also contribute to erosion and gum recession, leaving the sensitive root exposed to hot, cold, soft and hard."
Other Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth grinding, which wears away the enamel covering the biting surfaces of the teeth and the overuse of teeth whitening agents can also be responsible for tooth sensitivity. In the case of the latter, the harsh chemicals in the bleach can thin the layer of enamel covering the dentine, leaving the tubules in more direct contact to surfaces.
What Can Be Done About Tooth Sensitivity
"The particular treatment a dentist might consider depends entirely upon the specific cause behind your tooth sensitivity," explains Chicago dental implant specialist, Dr. Atcha. "First and foremost, we will want to identify any areas where the gums have receded from the crowns of the teeth, exposing the roots. We will also scrutinize each tooth to determine where it is the dental enamel has become eroded away. The solution would then be to restore the protective covering of the teeth through bonding, which involves the hardening of a special dental resin or varnish to the eroded area of the tooth."
"In extreme cases of gum recession, a gum grafting procedure can be done to encourage the growth of new, healthy tissue to cover up the root," says Dr. Atcha. "Alternatively, if a patient's case is mild and if no immediate health threats are detected, we may just recommend that they use a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Either way, there is a solution and we urge any Chicago resident who struggles with this common condition to seek treatment."
Now that sounds better than waiting for your coffee to cool and your ice-cream to melt before you can enjoy it!
About Dr. Irfan Atcha, DDS
Dr. Irfan Atcha is an implant dentist with advanced training and the sole owner of a large group practice in Chicago, Illinois. While Dr. Atcha limits his services to dental implants, intravenous sedation and bone grafting procedures, the greater practice offers the full range of cosmetic, restorative and preventative dental healthcare services.
Dr. Atcha has received training from world-renown clinicians, including Dr. Yvan Fortin, Dr. Thomas Balshi and Dr. Paulo Malo, the latter of whom is the man behind the "All-on-4" dental implant protocol. All of these doctors are the international authorities in the fields of dental implantology, fixed oral rehabilitation and zygomatic implants.
Contact
Chicago implant dentist, Dr. Atcha can be reached at 312-951-8338 or via his website, www.NewTeethChicago.com