Repair Dental Damage to Eliminate Tooth Sensitivity When Chewing
People eat and snack on and off throughout the day, and those meals should be pleasant experiences. Unfortunately, there is nothing that can ruin a meal faster than tooth pain. At Artistic Expressions Dentistry, Dr. Bruce J. Wilderman and his dental team offer general dentistry services to preserve oral health and tooth structure so that the teeth function comfortably. Still, tooth enamel is likely to wear down over time, and it is common for patients to experience tooth sensitivity when exposing the teeth to extremely hot or cold temperatures, or when putting pressure on the teeth. Patients that experience tooth sensitivity when chewing should visit our Philadelphia, PA practice to have the teeth examined. A dental examination can pinpoint the most likely cause of tooth sensitivity when chewing, and allow Dr. Wilderman to put together a treatment plan that will restore oral comfort.
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
At the center of each tooth is a pulpy material that is made up of sensitive nerve tissues. Fortunately, these tissues are protected by a hard layer of tooth enamel. This enamel prevents patients from experiencing pain associated with extreme temperatures or pressure. Over time, as the teeth are continually used to bite and break down food, this enamel will weaken and wear down. As tooth enamel wears away, the inner layers of the teeth can become exposed. Worn down or damaged tooth enamel is the most likely cause of tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
Tooth sensitivity when chewing is slightly different. If a person experiences pain when chewing, biting down, or otherwise placing pressure on the teeth, it is likely that the source of the problem is more than just worn down tooth enamel. Often, sensitivity when chewing is a side effect of damage or wear at the base of the tooth, near the tooth’s roots. Some possible causes of tooth sensitivity when chewing include the following:
- Severe tooth decay
- A chip, crack, or fracture
- Root canal infection
- A failing dental restoration
Treating Tooth Sensitivity
Whether an individual is experiencing tooth sensitivity to extreme temperatures, or tooth sensitivity when chewing, it is important to have the teeth examined by an experienced dentist such as Dr. Wilderman. Even minor dental damage can leave the teeth vulnerable to more serious dental complications. By repairing dental damage, Dr. Wilderman can restore the strength of a tooth and rebuild the protective layer that allows oral functions to be performed comfortably. There is a range of restorative dentistry treatments that can achieve these goals, including the following:
- Dental bonding
- Dental fillings
- Dental crowns
- Root canal therapy
Dr. Wilderman will recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for each patient based on his or her unique oral health needs.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, it may be the result of tooth decay or other dental damage. To learn how this damage can be repaired, schedule an appointment with Dr. Bruce J. Wilderman at your earliest convenience. Dr. Wilderman can create a treatment plan that will repair oral damage so that you can once again bite, chew, and eat free of pain.
