In Atlanta, few dental professionals have earned the reputation for dedicated care and state-of-the-art tools and resources that Dr. Frank Roach has achieved. Here, he shares insightful at-home tips and available office procedures for treating teeth sensitivity.
Dr. Frank Roach has served as one of Atlanta’s premier dentists for years where he meets patient needs using the latest breakthrough procedures and tools. Staying at the cutting edge of technology has helped him earn a reputation for excellence among locals who also remark on the inviting atmosphere of his offices and the dedicated care Dr. Roach offers.
One of the most common dental concerns today is tooth sensitivity, which affects millions of people around the world. Not every case of tooth sensitivity is caused by the same thing, but typical causes are cavities, fractured teeth, gum disease, exposed roots, worn enamel and fillings. In certain cases, dentin––a protective layer that coats teeth beneath the enamel and cementum––loses its strength or is worn down, which allows food and drink to have a greater effect on the nerves. Food and drink of extreme temperatures, sticky foods, and highly acidic or sweet foods can affect the nerve and cause an uncomfortable, and often painful, reaction.
Sensitivity can be a tremendous headache for patients if not treated properly, but most don’t know where to begin. To help, Dr. Frank Roach discusses a few potential solutions both at home and in his offices.
At Home Solutions
Instead of booking an appointment with their dentist, some patients may wish to try out home solutions for their tooth sensitivity first. If so, Dr. Frank Roach recommends looking to desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne that contains compounds that block nerve sensations. With regular brushing, patients should be able to notice a difference in how food and drinks affects both the hard surface of teeth and the nerves underneath.
Fluoride is another potential at-home solution. Fluoride gels, washes, and other over-the-counter products can be applied topically to teeth to help re-mineralize the enamel and protect it from sensitivity.
In-Office Solutions
Dental professionals like Dr. Frank Roach can use highly concentrated fluoride gel to strengthen the enamel and safeguard against sensitivity. They can also use a form of crown or bonding to correct any concerns among teeth that may be resulting in increased sensitivity.
For the more extreme cases, dentists may look to surgical gum grafts to repair or replace the gum tissue normally protecting the root. This procedure essentially reforms the protective barrier around nerves to prevent food and drinks from causing discomfort. Root canals are another extreme but viable solution that aims to eliminate the problem at its source by drilling in and removing portions of the root itself.
“Every patient’s case is different, and the cause and appropriate solution for their tooth sensitivity may need to be evaluated by a professional,” says Dr. Frank Roach. “However, looking to over-the-counter solutions may be a good place to start for most.”
