Sensitive teeth treatment in Penrith.
Sensitive teeth at Bella Dental Penrith are most often caused by exposed dentine from gum recession or enamel wear, decay, a cracked tooth, or recent dental work. Treatment depends on the cause: a desensitising toothpaste and fluoride varnish for mild cases,
composite bonding or gum grafts for recession, a filling or crown for decay or cracks, and root canal treatment for severe nerve involvement. We will diagnose the cause and recommend the most effective treatment — most cases improve within 2 to 4 weeks of starting the right care.
composite bonding or gum grafts for recession, a filling or crown for decay or cracks, and root canal treatment for severe nerve involvement. We will diagnose the cause and recommend the most effective treatment — most cases improve within 2 to 4 weeks of starting the right care.
What is tooth sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity (dentinal hypersensitivity) is a short, sharp pain in a tooth or teeth in response to a stimulus that does not normally cause pain. The most common triggers are cold food and drink, but hot, sweet, sour, or even touch can also trigger it.
The pain happens because the dentine (the layer under the enamel) has been exposed. Dentine is full of tiny tubules that connect to the nerve. When the dentine is exposed, hot, cold, or sweet stimuli reach the nerve directly, causing a short, sharp pain.
What are the symptoms of sensitive teeth?
The most common signs:
- A short, sharp pain when eating or drinking something cold
- Pain when eating or drinking something hot, sweet, or sour
- Pain when cold air hits the teeth
- Pain when brushing or flossing a specific area
- Sensitivity that affects one tooth or several teeth
Sensitivity that lasts more than a few seconds after the stimulus is removed, or that wakes you at night, can be a sign of a deeper problem (decay reaching the nerve, a cracked tooth, or a dying nerve). See us soon, if this happens.
What causes sensitive teeth?
The 6 most common causes:
- Gum recession. The most common cause. The root surface (which is dentine, not enamel) is exposed when the gum recedes. Common in patients with gum disease or after aggressive brushing.
- Enamel wear. From tooth grinding (bruxism), acid erosion (diet or reflux), or aggressive brushing. Wears away the protective enamel and exposes the dentine underneath.
- Tooth decay. A cavity exposes the dentine, causing sensitivity to sweet, hot, or cold.
- Cracked tooth. A crack can run from the enamel down into the dentine, causing sensitivity, especially on biting.
- Recent dental work. Teeth are often temporarily sensitive for 1 to 4 weeks after a filling, crown, or whitening. Usually settles on its
- Gum disease. Inflammation of the gum can expose the root surface and cause sensitivity.
Less common causes: a dying nerve, an abscess, a leaking or failed filling, and exposed root surfaces after orthodontic treatment.
How is sensitive teeth diagnosed?
At your appointment we will:
- Ask about the sensitivity (which teeth, which triggers, when it started, how long it lasts)
- Examine the teeth and the gums
- Test the tooth with cold air or cold water
- Take x-rays to check for decay, cracks, abscesses, or bone loss
- Check for gum recession and enamel wear
Most causes are clear after this. Sometimes the cause is multi-factorial (e.g., recession plus grinding), and we treat each contributing factor.
How is sensitive teeth treated at Bella Dental Penrith?
Treatment depends on the cause and the severity:
- Mild sensitivity from recession or wear: desensitising toothpaste (e.g., Sensodyne, Colgate Pro-Relief) used twice daily, plus a fluoride varnish applied at the clinic. Most patients improve within 2 to 4 weeks.
- Sensitivity from grinding: an occlusal splint (night guard) and treatment for the underlying cause.
- Sensitivity from decay: a filling or, if the decay is deep, a root canal and a crown.
- Sensitivity from a cracked tooth: a crown, or extraction if the crack extends below the gumline.
- Severe recession on a single tooth: a gum graft to cover the exposed root. We refer to a periodontist for this.
- Generalised severe sensitivity that has not responded to other treatment: bonding over the exposed root surfaces, or root canal treatment in extreme cases.
We will give you a written treatment plan with item numbers before any work starts, and we offer interest-free
payment plans through Medipay to spread the cost.
What can I do at home for sensitive teeth?
Practical steps:
Use a desensitising toothpaste twice daily. It works by blocking the tubules in the dentine or by calming the nerve. Give it 2 to 4 weeks to work.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle circular motions. Do not scrub side-to-side.
Avoid very acidic food and drink (soft drink, sports drinks, citrus, wine). Acid softens enamel temporarily, and brushing right after can wear it away.
Wait 30 minutes after eating or drinking anything acidic before brushing.
Use a fluoride mouthwash daily to strengthen the enamel.
Avoid teeth-whitening products, which can make sensitivity worse. Whitening is not recommended on already-sensitive teeth.
Wear your occlusal splint at night, if you grind.
When should I see a dentist about sensitive teeth?
See us soon, if:
- The sensitivity is in one specific tooth, not generalised
- The pain lasts more than a few seconds after the stimulus is removed
- The sensitivity is getting worse
- The tooth is sensitive to biting pressure (a sign of a crack or abscess)
- The gum is swollen, red, or receding
- The sensitivity is interfering with eating, drinking, or sleeping
- Home care has not improved things in 4 weeks
These can be signs of decay, a cracked tooth, or a dying nerve. The earlier we treat these, the simpler and cheaper the fix.
Book a sensitive teeth consultation at Bella Dental Penrith
We are at Shop T12, Southlands Shopping Centre, 2 Birmingham Road, South Penrith NSW 2750. Phone (02) 4722 6300 to book, or send us a message through the contact form on this site. Open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, with extended hours to 6 pm on Wednesdays.
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Is tooth sensitivity normal?
Mild, occasional sensitivity is common. Constant or worsening sensitivity is not normal, and a sign that something needs attention.
Does desensitising toothpaste really work?
Yes, for most mild cases. The active ingredients (potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride) block the dentine tubules or calm the nerve. Give it 2 to 4 weeks of consistent use.
Can sensitive teeth be cured?
Mild sensitivity is often fully reversible with the right care. Severe sensitivity from significant gum recession or worn enamel can be managed but not cured. Treatment reduces or eliminates the pain in most cases.
Will my teeth get more sensitive as I age?
Often yes, because of gum recession and enamel wear over time. Good home care and regular check-ups slow this down.
Can teeth whitening make sensitivity worse?
Yes. Whitening gels penetrate the enamel and can cause temporary sensitivity, especially in teeth that are already sensitive. We will check your teeth are healthy before recommending whitening.
Is sensitive teeth a sign of something serious?
Sometimes. It can be a sign of decay, a cracked tooth, gum disease, or a dying nerve. If the sensitivity is in one tooth, getting worse, or lasting more than a few seconds, book a check-up.