If you take care of your teeth, they will always have an attractive appearance. If the teeth are healthy, then they allow their owner to bite and chew food without pain. Only teeth that a person takes care of will always allow him to be in comfort. Therefore, people consistently brush their teeth and visit dentists. However, no matter how high-quality dental care is carried out, at one moment a person may feel severe pain if he eats a cold or hot dish. If this happens, then there is a possibility that the teeth suffer from hyperesthesia - high sensitivity to external factors. The reason may be the destruction of the enamel. If pain occurs from sudden temperature changes, then this indicates 1 degree of hyperesthesia. You need to visit a dental clinic as soon as possible before the problem gets worse. The dentist will quickly find the causes of the problem, and then eliminate these causes.
Causes of hyperesthesia
Dental hypersensitivity is caused by many factors and may indicate problems with the teeth and periodontal tissues. Hypersensitivity is one of the most common diseases in dental practice and, according to WHO, is increasing every year.
The mechanisms of the occurrence of pain syndrome due to irritating factors stimulate increased interest among both researchers and practicing dentists, prosthetists, and hygienists. This attention is explained by the fact that pain is a key symptom of most dental diseases. However, the increased susceptibility of hard tissues cannot be justified by the known pathways of nerve signal transmission. This fact prompted a series of studies to be carried out, which resulted in several theories of the development of hyperesthesia:
- odontoblastic;
- receptor;
- threshold;
- hydrodynamic.
Sufficient evidence has been collected in favor of the hydrodynamic theory. It is supported by most dental clinicians. The dentinal tubule, according to theory, is considered as a capillary tube containing fluid inside.
Exposure to air, high temperatures, etc. it shifts, the pressure in the dentin changes. This leads to increased activity of nerve endings. Penetration of irritants into the tubules is possible when dentin, the main hard tissue of the tooth, is exposed. It is exposed not only against the background of carious lesions and diseases of periodontal tissues, but also as a result of non-carious defects: hypoplasia (underdevelopment of teeth), enamel erosion, etc.
Complications that may occur
If the problem is not eliminated in time, it will become serious and require radical medical intervention. Since in most cases sensitivity is a symptom of systemic diseases, including life-threatening ones, it must be dealt with in its infancy, without leading the situation to serious consequences.
Lack of therapy leads to severe pain. A person cannot eat normally, rest, or clean incisors, canines and molars. Even cool air entering the mouth causes pain.
In the final stages of pathology, you can notice how much the enamel is destroyed. Deep black carious cavities are observed. Sometimes the issue can only be resolved through surgery.
Hypersensitivity after tooth filling and preparation for dentures
Most often in dental practice, increased sensitivity is observed after filling. Patients come to the clinic with complaints of sensitivity, especially to cold, without precise localization of pain. Upon visual examination, sensitivity in the basal part is not detected. There is no evidence of open pulp or caries on the x-ray.
The causal unit, however, can be identified. To do this, use ice, which, wrapped in a paper napkin, is applied to the cheek area or to the surface of the tongue. An area with a violation of integrity in hard tissues is a source of irritation, so severe pain occurs in the tooth. Removing all filling material will allow you to detect the break.
The reason for increased susceptibility, often to cold or too hot food, may be the appearance of microgaps between the filling and the hard tissues of the tooth due to compression of the composite material. The gap formed in the cavity near the root canals opens up space for the movement of dentinal fluid, thereby causing a response from the nerve endings of the pulp.
The area of contact of the material with the walls of the internal space of the tooth can also contribute to the formation of hypersensitivity after filling. Since filling composites have a high elasticity index, they cause stress in the contact layer “filling - hard dental tissue”. The tension in the tooth tissues is greater in cases where the surface of the restoration in contact with the walls is extensive.
After preparation (grinding) of a tooth for prosthetic structures and microprostheses, normal sensitivity is observed, which is characterized by mild pain. If there is no inflammatory process in the pulp, the pain is considered causative and disappears a few minutes after the drill stops working. If hypersensitivity persists for a long time (2 or more days after the procedure), treatment of pulpitis is required.
Advantages of the Atlantis Dental clinic
What to do if your tooth hurts when it comes into contact with hot or cold food? Of course, visit the Atlantis Dental clinic! We use advanced technologies and medications, and do not prescribe unnecessary manipulations. The key to successful therapy is the high professionalism of doctors, innovative equipment, and an individual approach to each patient!
The cost of treating hyperesthesia for hot and cold, sour and sweet, is flexible and is determined depending on the identified dental problems, the amount of work and the materials used. An integrated approach taking into account all factors guarantees an excellent result, regardless of the age and general condition of the patient’s body!
Provoking factors for the development of dental hypersensitivity
Most often, increased sensitivity is a consequence of a violation of the integrity of the enamel or destruction of the hard tissues of the teeth, which increases the risk of irritation of the endings of the nerve fibers.
The key provocateurs are caries lesions, exposure of the necks and roots of the teeth. Hyperesthesia is diagnosed as a sign of a number of non-carious lesions - enamel defects, progressive loss of enamel and dentin with a decrease in crown height, local destruction, acid necrosis, traumatic injuries, periodontitis with an aggressive course, metabolic disorders of the body, endocrine diseases, mental disorders.
The disease can also occur when consuming large quantities of acidic foods and drinks. Under the influence of acids, the enamel softens and loosens, and erosion appears on its surface.
Increased sensitivity of teeth can be observed after removal of hard dental tissues in order to create a prosthetic space for metal-ceramic structures.
One of the provoking factors is bleaching, during which aggressive chemical bleaching agents are used.
The most common provoking factors also include:
- pulpitis, other dental diseases or pathological conditions that cause destruction of tooth enamel;
- disruptions in the body caused by uncontrolled use of hormonal drugs;
- stress;
- chronic gastrointestinal diseases;
- malocclusion;
- incorrectly selected hygiene products (hard bristled brushes, highly abrasive paste);
- bad habits.
Toothache caused by hot and cold foods
If your teeth respond with a painful reaction when eating such dishes, this means that the problem lies in the enamel of the teeth. When the enamel is healthy, the tooth structure is reliably protected from sudden temperature changes. If your teeth respond with pain when you eat, you should immediately visit a dentist to identify the cause. Here are a few reasons that cause such pain:
- Tissue inflammation has occurred;
- The structure in the enamel is damaged;
- Non-carious lesions;
- Cracks have appeared;
- Due to severe stress, the enamel has become thinner.
By the way, it happens that such pains are caused by the endocrine system or they may be caused by a stomach disease. It is necessary to reconsider your eating habits. It is necessary to reduce the consumption of foods with too high and low temperatures, and also be careful when drinking sour juices. To do this, you should use a straw.
Diagnostics
When diagnosing dentin hypersensitivity, it should be borne in mind that it is often a symptom of a disease. Therefore, when a patient approaches, the dentist begins treatment with a survey, during which he receives answers to the following questions:
- duration and nature of the pain syndrome;
- number of units with dentin sensitivity;
- localization of increased susceptibility;
- characteristics of stimuli that cause pain.
After the examination, the patient is required to undergo probing of sensitive areas and other diagnostic tests (thermal, electrical, osmotic, evaporative), as well as percussion (tapping on individual areas of the tooth). At the same time, they find out whether the element is sensitive when biting, identify microcracks in the enamel, damage inside and around the filling, malocclusion, and signs of bruxism.
In addition, diagnostics are carried out using hardware methods and “hidden” carious lesions and periapical changes are identified if they are present.
Much attention is paid to determining the level of pain and the degree of tooth sensitivity:
- no pain;
- mild discomfort;
- medium intensity;
- severe pain or unbearable.
The patient's pain reaction may occur to a greater extent to thermal stimuli (cold, heat), tactile (tactile), evaporative (air), electrical or osmotic (solutions of weak acids).
Dentists note that the reaction most often occurs to cold, brushing teeth, heat and sweets.
The more dentin is exposed due to dental diseases and other factors contributing to enamel loss, the higher the degree of hyperesthesia. This is explained by the fact that in completely exposed dentin there are more dilated tubules with open holes.
Symptoms
The main symptom of tooth enamel hyperesthesia is acute short-term pain. Usually the patient complains that the tooth feels cold, sweet, hot, sour, and begins to hurt. In this case, the pain is short-lived; literally after a few seconds the pain subsides and the tooth stops hurting. The intensity of toothache can range from mild discomfort to very severe throbbing pain. In some particularly difficult cases, patients cannot even breathe in cold air and only take warm, neutral-tasting food.
Typically, pain during hyperesthesia is a constant symptom, but sometimes temporary periods of remission are observed when the teeth do not respond to stimuli at all or the intensity of pain is significantly reduced.
Initial measures to eliminate signs of hyperesthesia
To eliminate unpleasant sensations, the doctor primarily gives the patient the following recommendations:
- exclude predisposing factors;
- do not consume food acids, that is, refuse those products that contain them;
- Carry out hygienic teeth cleaning long before or after meals;
- Reduce the time you spend brushing your mouth to one minute and use a soft-bristle brush.
The patient's teeth are treated with desensitizers. They reduce the sensitivity of teeth of various etiologies by sealing the dentinal tubules. The use of special toothpastes is prescribed.
When the root and neck of a tooth are exposed, mucogingival surgery (vestibuloplasty, etc.) is used to correct gum recession. During surgery, the soft structures of the oral cavity are moved to those areas that require restoration.
For pulpitis, the doctor resorts to pulpotomy. During a dental operation, the pulp is partially amputated using a vital method. At the same time, that part of it that is located in the root canal remains viable.
If sensitivity to irritants persists, additional diagnostics are carried out to exclude chronic pain syndrome, and a more effective treatment plan is drawn up.
Consultation with a dentist
When the first signs of sensitivity appear, you should immediately make an appointment with the dentist. The doctor will determine the cause, prescribe appropriate therapy and advise on oral care issues. The main thing is not to let the disease progress. Timely treated caries will not lead to complications. Detailed information can be found here: treatment of initial caries.
In addition to therapy, the dentist prescribes medications and prescribes procedures. Oral hygiene and high-quality balanced nutrition are of great importance. The first-priority procedure that is performed on a patient with a high degree of sensitivity of units is the removal of solid deposits. Ultrasonic cleaning has performed well in this regard. It also strengthens the soft gum tissue.
Using a special paste, the teeth are covered with a thin film, which protects them from the external aggressive environment. Today, the device is actively used for gum massage. This is an irrigation device where rubber bristles are used instead of classic bristles. It also washes away food residues with a stream of water. Vitamin complexes are prescribed to strengthen the immune system, which accelerates the healing of inflamed areas and strengthens the tissues of the oral cavity. Follow the link Dental treatment in St. Petersburg and sign up at the ARTE-S clinic. The sooner the problem is identified, the easier and cheaper the therapy will be!
Treatment methods for tooth sensitivity
For treatment, medications, combination therapy, complex therapy and physical methods are used.
Algorithm of the doctor’s actions in the treatment of dentin sensitivity:
- decreased excitability of the neuroreceptor apparatus of the dental pulp;
- decreased dentin permeability;
- blocking the entrances and obstructing the lumens of the dentinal tubules;
- mineralization of hard tooth tissue.
Based on the clinical picture, complex therapy may be prescribed, including obturation of the lumens of the dentinal tubules and electrophoresis with sodium fluoride solutions. The entrances of the tubules are closed with resin-containing or salt-containing desensitizers.
Laser therapy, a procedure for reducing pores using remineralizing gels, restoring gums in case of receding gums, filling teeth in places where the protective layer is thinning, and coating the enamel with fluoride varnish can also be used.
At home, the patient is recommended to use pastes containing strontium chloride, potassium nitrate, and sodium citrate for hygienic care.
Content:
- Reasons 1.1. Caries, pulpitis 1.2. Poorly performed dental treatment 1.3. Bleaching 1.4. External factors 1.5. Internal factors
- How does hyperesthesia develop?
- Qualified help
- How to reduce the likelihood of developing hyperesthesia - preventive measures
If a tooth reacts to cold or hot, this cannot be regarded as a normal option. This condition is usually a consequence of inflammation or thinning of the enamel. You should not guess and try to fix the situation yourself. The most reasonable thing is to make an appointment with a dentist and undergo a simple diagnosis. It will help you understand what causes discomfort and how you can get rid of it.
Medication treatment at home
Dentists consider the use of special gels, rinses, and toothpastes with or without very mild abrasives to be effective treatment at home.
When treating hypersensitivity, potassium nitrate is recognized as the most effective remedy. The therapeutic effect when using hygiene products that contain it occurs as a result of the penetration of potassium ions into the dentinal tubules, where they accumulate, surround the nerves in the pulp areas of the tubules and block their activity, thereby reducing the excitability of the nerve endings.
To achieve the effect, it is recommended to maintain a high concentration of potassium nitrate on the surface of the causative tooth or group of teeth. Potassium nitrate can be used as a solution, gel, paste, or other oral hygiene products.
When using toothpastes containing potassium nitrate or chloride and sodium monofluorophosphate, as when using potassium nitrate alone, hypersensitivity to tactile stimuli and cold air is reduced.
If, after two weeks of daily use in the morning and evening, the therapeutic effect of brushing teeth and applying products containing the substance is not observed, then the patient is recommended to wear mouth guards. They are filled with the same compositions and worn at night. Symptoms of hyperesthesia disappear after two weeks.
Also, positive dynamics in home therapy for hypersensitivity are shown by hygiene products that contain fluorides, strontium salts (chloride or acetate), calcium glycerophosphate or hydroxyapatite.
Sources used in writing the article:
- “Modern aspects of pain and local anesthesia in dentistry” (2003), Duiseeva G. Sh., Ruzuddinov S. R.
- “Dentistry: a textbook for universities” (2008), ed. N.N. Bazhanova.
- "Occlusion and Clinical Practice" (2008), Jaeger Klinenberg
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Stanislav Mezheritsky
Chief physician, surgeon, orthopedist
The author of the article is Stanislav Mezheritsky, a practicing dentist with 19 years of experience, chief physician and one of the founders of the Matisse Dent clinic. The main focus is orthopedic and surgical dentistry. Author of numerous publications, regular participant in specialized seminars.
Prevention
Prevention of hyperesthesia is as follows:
- complete oral hygiene, which includes systematic brushing of teeth using appropriate pastes that do not contain abrasive particles and do not destroy tooth enamel;
- professional hygiene in the clinic at least once every six months;
- correct brushing technique, which involves using a medium-hard brush that does not injure the teeth and gums;
- minimal use of whitening paste, as it contains abrasive particles and chemical elements that can cause damage to the enamel and leaching of calcium from it;
- consumption of foods containing phosphorus and calcium;
- limiting the consumption of sour fruits, berries and juices;
- systematic visits to the dentist at least twice a year.
To prevent the disease, your dentist will help you choose an effective remedy for tooth sensitivity that will reliably protect your enamel from damage. If the patient has sensitivity to frost, cold, or hot, the doctor will also select a remedy for tooth sensitivity that seals the dentinal tubules, preventing changes in the speed of fluid movement inside them and preventing the occurrence of painful sensations.
Traditional medicine
Dental hypersensitivity has been known since ancient times, so in folk medicine there are many remedies and methods that can be used today.
Here are just a few sensible tips from traditional medicine:
- Consume natural (chemical-free) cow's and goat's milk.
- Eat foods high in vitamin D (fermented milk products, butter, fish, etc.)
- Use tea tree oil as a rinse (three drops per glass of water); The mask has antibacterial properties, prevents the development of caries, and eliminates unpleasant odors.
