Clinical review: Dr. Samreen Ejaz, BDS, RDS ·
Why teeth get sensitive
Under the hard enamel is a softer layer called dentine. It can become exposed where gums have shrunk back or a tooth has worn, and then cold or sweet things cause a quick, sharp twinge. Bonding covers a suitable exposed patch so it reacts less. But decay or a cracked filling can feel exactly the same, so we treat sensitivity as something to investigate first.
Finding the cause
Tell us what sets it off and whether the pain stops quickly or lingers. Dr. Samreen looks for exposed surfaces, cavities, cracks and changes in the gums, and may test individual teeth. Pain that lingers, or comes on by itself without a trigger, may be coming from the nerve. That needs a different kind of check before any bonding.
When bonding makes sense
If the patch is suitable, we prepare it, keep it dry and apply a bonding material over it. If more of the tooth has worn away, a small filling may work better. Sometimes a desensitising toothpaste at home is worth trying first, and we’ll tell you if we think that’s the better place to start.
Keeping it comfortable
We also look at why the area wore or became exposed in the first place. Brushing too hard is one cause, so we may show you a gentler way to brush. Bonding can wear and may need topping up later. Come back if the pain changes, starts to linger or doesn’t improve the way we expected.
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Questions about dentine bonding for sensitivity
Is this the same as cosmetic bonding?
Not quite. Here the material protects a sensitive surface. Cosmetic bonding changes the shape or look of a tooth, although sometimes one repair can help with both.
Will one treatment last for good?
We can’t promise that. How long it lasts depends on the area, your bite and ongoing wear, and it may need maintaining.
Can’t I just use sensitive toothpaste?
Sometimes that’s enough, and it may be worth trying. We still like to check the tooth so we know the problem isn’t decay or a crack.
This is general information. What’s right for your tooth depends on what Dr. Samreen finds when she examines it.
Background reading: ADA: sensitive teeth. These are overseas sources, so their prices and rules don’t apply here.