Dental procedures can easily cause tooth sensitivity. While common, it makes most people uncomfortable and even worried. Whether you have just had a filling placed in a crown cemented on, or your teeth whitened, the whole process can lead to great discomfort due to sensitivity even when sipping ice-cold water or hot coffee. Luckily, there are several strategies that can minimize tooth sensitivity after a dental procedure. Here, we are going to look at some of these methods on how they can keep your oral health top-class especially when you are looking for dental care in Mt Vernon, NY.
Why Do Teeth Become Sensitized After Treatment?
There is always a need to know why tooth sensitivity happens first. After some dental treatments, your teeth can become sensitive due to:
- Exposed Dentin: Any procedure like filling or deep cleaning can expose the dentin layer of the tooth. It is very sensitive to temperature and pressure.
- Inflamed Nerves: The procedures used for the extraction of the root canals or crowns will elevate the nerve endings present in your teeth, which cause sensitivity as well.
- Whitening Products: Whitening of teeth is done using a peroxide-based gel, which dries out the enamel. Thus, the sensitivity which is caused by this is highly induced in the short term.
Thankfully, the following remedies would somewhat ease the ache or alleviate the pain of sensitive teeth following a visit to the dentist.
1. Desensitizing Toothpaste
One of the most popular ways to alleviate the sensitivity caused by dental treatment is through using desensitizing toothpaste. These particular products contain chemicals such as potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride that can prevent nerve impulses from the tooth surface.
Your dentist in Mt Vernon, NY, can usually prescribe a specific product to use as part of your treatment. Many times the continued use for a few weeks really minimizes sensitivity and you’re able to continue on with your normal routine with no issues.
2. Use a Soft Bristled Toothbrush
The type of toothbrush used can also predispose to sensitivity after the procedure. Hard bristles will, at best, contribute to irritation of sensitive areas due to the wearing off of enamel or irritation from exposed dentin. A soft-bristled toothbrush will clean your teeth without further irritation.
In Mt Vernon, NY, many patients are left to take home soft brushes, usually after those treatments such as fillings or root scaling. They are there for minimal irritation of the gums, while simultaneously removing plaque and debris food particles without being uncomfortable other than necessary.
3. Pay Attention to Your Diet
Many patients note that once sensitivity is established as a result of the therapy, sensitivity worsens with their diet and drinks. Acidic, hot, and cold foods make problematic teeth worse. To minimize discomfort, avoid the following:
- Citrus fruits and juices (lemons, oranges, grapefruits)
- Soda and carbonated drinks
- Cold drinks like iced water or milkshakes
- Hot beverages like coffee or tea
Concentrate instead on neutral-temperature foods and beverages. Many times, following the appointment to the dentists are able to provide significantly detailed dietary recommendations that aid in managing sensitivity after treatment and rapidly facilitate the healing phase.
4. Fluoride Varnish
The application of fluoride can be a great way to fortify your tooth enamel and further reduce sensitivity. It creates new, strengthened enamel that wasn’t present when the enamel was weakened during the cleaning, filling, or crowning process. The varnish guards sensitive areas from hot and cold.
Many dentists in Mt Vernon, NY,, can offer therapeutic fluoride treatments for patients at recall visits. In addition, any fluoride applies at home – such as rinses or gels – can be prescribed to be used to continue hardening of enamel and to possibly reduce sensitivity.
5. Wear a Mouthguard if You Are a Grinder
The enamel wears away and increases the sensitivity to acids with teeth grinding, popularly referred to as bruxism. If you still feel sensitive after the procedure and tend to grind your teeth from time to time, then it may be the right moment to take the mouthguard.
A mouthguard that is custom-fitted can be taken from a dentist in Mt Vernon, NY, and can save your teeth from grinding and clenching under the numerous forces. Worn at night, especially after a major treatment by the dentist, this may significantly reduce the post-treatment sensitivity and prevent damage to more teeth.
6. Orally Hygienic Care
Good oral hygiene directly contributes to the elimination of dental sensitivity or hypersensitivity, especially after dental work. Proper brushing and flossing avoid the accumulation of plaque that causes inflamed gums and sensitivity of the tooth.
However, be gentle when brushing and flossing around sensitive areas. Your dentist can inform you about the best ways to take care of yourself as you are recovering from a dental procedure. This gentle care allows for the protection of sensitive areas as your teeth and gums remain healthy.
7. Take Pain Relievers if Necessary
Substantial relief can be obtained over the counter through pain relieving drugs such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for the discomfort caused by sensitivity to the tooth. If the patient is also suffering severely from sensitivity after having dental treatment, he/she can use a pain reliever provided by his/her dentist to stop the pain until the restorative portion of treatment is completed.
8. Carefully Obey All Post-Procedure Instructions
Once all the dental treatments have been completed, patients are given aftercare instructions to aid healing and minimize pain and discomfort. This may include a filling, crown, or whitening of the teeth. You will find, however, that following these instructions makes a big difference in subsiding sensitivity quickly.
9. Allow Your Teeth Time to Heal
Lastly, perhaps the best remedy to reduce tooth sensitivity after dental treatment is allowing the teeth to heal. In some cases, the sensitivity can take several days or even weeks to wear off, depending on the treatment. Do not hesitate to come in for a follow-up visit if the sensitivity persists or gets worse, though.
Note that some treatments, such as a filling or a crown, might be sensitive for a period of days, but this usually subsides over time. The dentist will be keeping an eye on you to ensure no complications arise and your sensitivity is part of the healing process.
Conclusion
Tooth sensitivity after dental work can be a nuisance, but it is usually temporary and can be minimized with the right strategies. Switching to a desensitizing toothpaste, practicing good oral hygiene, and being mindful of what you eat and drink can significantly reduce sensitivity.
For those seeking dentistry in Mt. Vernon, NY, the experienced team at Aurora Smiles, led by Dr. Amul Patel, offers personalized guidance and treatment to eliminate and prevent sensitivity following dental work while keeping your smile healthy.
With sensitivity post-treatment and any other follow-up care, you can rely on Aurora Smiles for expert support. Contact us today for comprehensive dental care!