One of the most common dental conditions is tooth sensitivity. A person suffering from tooth sensitivity feels discomfort and pain when eating or drinking cold or hot substances. Sensitivity is also experienced when a person is brushing or flossing.

Tooth sensitivity arises when the dentin is exposed because of the thinning of your tooth enamel or when you have receding gums. This condition occurs due to age, tooth decay, worn-out tooth fillings, and bruxism. Here are some family dental treatments for tooth sensitivity.

Fluoride Varnish

One of the family dental care solutions for tooth sensitivity is fluoride varnish. This treatment prevents tooth decay by penetrating the tooth enamel to shield the tooth surfaces. Calcium fluoride is deposited on your tooth surface to form fluorapatite. Afterward, the varnish is applied after the dentist cleans and dries the tooth surface.

The varnish forms a sticky covering over your tooth, which eventually hardens. Fluoride varnish prevents decay from progressing and the development of new cavities. Over time you will experience relief from your tooth sensitivity.

Gum Grafting

If a fluoride varnish does not work, you most likely have a gum recession. A person with a gum recession has an exposed tooth root, which is the reason for tooth sensitivity. Gum grafting can help relieve this sensitivity.

During the gum grafting procedure, the dentist will take donor tissue from one location and use the tissue from that area to cover the part where there is a gum recession. Patients recover from gum grafting in a few days. Your family dentist will instruct you on how to care for your gums after the procedure to prevent complications.

Root Canal

Sometimes tooth sensitivity is addressed by a root canal procedure. Your family dental care professional will perform this procedure if they suspect that the nerves and blood vessels in your tooth are damaged. Apart from tooth sensitivity, a root canal is used to treat persistent toothaches, tooth discoloration, swollen gums, cracked or chipped teeth, and tooth mobility. According to a study by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), over 15 million root canals are performed annually in the U.S. 

During a root canal procedure, the dentist extracts decay and bacteria from your pulp, root, and nerve. Afterward, your dentist will disinfect the sensitive area and fill empty roots. Finally, they will seal the area to prevent tooth decay. Unlike popular belief, this treatment is not painful because the dentist will numb your teeth and gums with local anesthesia. This procedure is the same as getting a filling, only that it takes longer.

For more information, contact a company like Leesburg Dental.