Tooth Desensitization
in Midtown New York
Do you have sensitive teeth? You’re not alone. By some estimates, one in eight Americans suffers from dental hypersensitivity.
While the condition is common, few speak up about the persistent tooth pain they experience after switching from a hot to cold drink or chewing on ice. Rather than live in pain every time you want to enjoy a hot coffee or cold gelato, stop by Dr. Nadler’s Midtown dental office for treatment.
You can get the basics on tooth desensitization here. If you have specific questions about your specific tooth pain, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Treating sensitive teeth starts with getting to the root cause. Several underlying factors can lead to sensitivity.
- Enamel wear due to grinding, or acids or a combination of the two can expose the underlying tooth structure making it more vulnerable and sensitive.
- Gum recession exposes the root of the tooth, also known as cementum, allowing for more communication between the nerve and the oral environment.
- Clenching puts pressure on the teeth which increases swelling around the roots and puts pressure on the nerves of the teeth. In these cases, we evaluate the bite and sometimes fabricate an occlusal guard.
- The hydrodynamic theory is the most widely accepted theory dealing with sensitivity. When dentin tubules, (microscopic channels that run from under the enamel, through the middle layer of the tooth to the pulp), become exposed, the consequent pulling forces on the nerve cause pain or discomfort.
Meet Our Doctors
Drs. Matthew and Sheldon Nadler
Dr. Matthew Nadler and his father, Dr. Sheldon Nadler offer state of the art comprehensive dental care in their friendly, yet professional, midtown New York office, using the most current technology.
Our doctors participate in ongoing continuing education, which provides them with the knowledge to guide you to a healthier lifestyle. You can feel confident that your dental needs will be addressed by knowledgeable dental specialists who are leaders in their respective fields.
Meet Our Doctors
Drs. Sheldon and Matthew Nadler
Dr. Matthew Nadler and his father, Dr. Sheldon Nadler offer state of the art comprehensive dental care in their friendly, yet professional, midtown New York office, using the most current technology.
Our doctors participate in ongoing continuing education, which provides them with the knowledge to guide you to a healthier lifestyle. You can feel confident that your dental needs will be addressed by knowledgeable dental specialists who are leaders in their respective fields.
Treatment Options for Painful Teeth
Once we’ve established why your teeth hurt, our team of experts can recommend the best treatment solution. Dr. Nadler often starts with the most modest treatments, recommending a desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne. If that isn’t effective, we try an in-office desensitizer and fluoride varnish.
More aggressive strategies include:
Bonding
When tooth enamel wear causes sensitivity, bonding works well as long as the patient is free of gum disease. This non-invasive treatment uses white composite material to fill in chips, pitting and areas of enamel that have deteriorated. Bonding is a great option for reinforcing the structure of healthy teeth without compromising the look of your smile.
Because the treatment is non-invasive, receiving dental bonding is a quick and fast procedure. During your visit, the tooth receiving the treatment is cleaned and prepared. The composite material is then attached, or “bonded” into the treatment area as a clay-like material. The composite is then cured with a UV light, and polished smooth. Acting as a barrier to the nerve, the composite reduces sensitivity.
Caring for a tooth treated with composite bonding is no different than caring for any other tooth. To protect your new investment and maintain a healthy smile, floss daily and brush at least twice a day, preferably with an electric toothbrush.
Root Canal
Dental caries (cavities) develop when oral bacteria eat away at dental enamel and infect the inner dentin and root structure. If identified early, the decay can be removed and the tooth restored with a white filling. However, once caries reaches the tooth’s root, patients often experience more persistent tooth pain where eating and drinking foods that are cold or hot can be extremely painful. While patients may only notice the persistent pain, toothaches caused by deep tooth infections can have serious consequences if left untreated. To help prevent long-term issues and solve immediate tooth sensitivity, our Midtown Manhattan dentist will typically recommend a root canal, should the nerve be deemed unrepairable and past the point of treatment.
Surgical Gum Grafting
In some instances, gum recession is the culprit behind sensitive teeth. Recession is a tell-tale sign of advancing gingivitis – an oral health condition during which bacteria get into the space between your teeth and gums. Over time, the gums begin to separate or recede from teeth, creating pockets in which debris and additional bacteria can become trapped. As gums recede, they leave tooth roots exposed to the elements. Without proper treatment, gingivitis can quickly turn in a more advanced form of gum disease known as periodontal disease. Studies on periodontal disease have shown that once the condition reaches this stage, patients are at a greater risk of developing secondary health problems including esophageal, breast, pancreatic and gall bladder cancers. Finally, it contributes to cardiovascular disease.
Our office works with world-class oral surgeons who are abreast of modern techniques that may not require a donor site. Using the latest research for elevating the gums helps improve cosmetics, reduce sensitivity and improve overall oral health.
Gum grafts, also known as “gingival grafts,” are a highly recommended procedure for individuals experiencing moderate to severe gum disease. During this simple surgical procedure, donor gum tissue is placed over the receded area. As a local anesthetic is typically used during the procedure, most patients can go back to work or get home on their own following treatment.
Get Started Today
with Nadler Dentistry
Schedule a personalized consultation to meet with the skilled team at Nadler Dentistry and learn how they can create a customized smile to last a lifetime.
The team is always available to talk with you and address any concerns. We are excited to welcome you to our Midtown Manhattan office!
Get Started Today
with Nadler Dentistry
Schedule a personalized consultation to meet with the skilled team at Nadler Dentistry and learn how they can create a customized smile to last a lifetime.
The team is always available to talk with you and address any concerns. We are excited to welcome you to our Midtown Manhattan office!
Enjoy Food Again with a Visit
to Nadler Dentistry
At Nadler Dentistry, our goal is to help all patients enjoy beautiful, healthy smiles. If dental sensitivity is preventing you from enjoying your smile, call Midtown dentist Dr. Matthew Nadler today at (212) 757-3745 to schedule your consultation and tooth desensitization treatment.