Management Of Dentine Sensitivity:
Sharp pain from exposed dentin in response to stimulus like cold etc. that cannot be explained as arising from other dental abnormality like caries, crack, fracture etc. is called dentin hypersensitivity.
Cause of dentin sensitivity: Fluid movement in dentinal tubules by stimulus like cold, hot triggers fluid movement that causes sharp pain. For hypersensitivity, it is necessary to have exposed dentin and open dentinal tubules.
Lesion localization: Exposed dentin due to loss of enamel and cementum, attrition, abrasion and erosion, gum recession and periodontal disease.
Lesion initiation: Open dentinal tubules.
Treatment of Dentin Hypersensitivity:
The cause for dentin sensitivity like attrition, gum recession etc. is identified and treated accordingly. Desensitizing agents are used to control hypersensitivity.
Desensitizing Agents
Mode of administration:
At home use: Toothpastes and mouthwashes containing desensitizing agents are used in mild cases of tooth sensitivity.
Chairside use: Fluoride varnish, laser, bonding agents and filling materials are used in moderate to severe cases of sensitivity.
Mechanism of Desensitizing agent:
- Nerve Desensitization by potassium nitrate. Potassium containing toothpastes and mouthwashes are used to treat dentin sensitivity. Potassium have inhibitory role in nerve transmission so is used to treat hypersensitivity.
- Dentinal tubules blockage: Fluoride containing tooth paste, mouthwash , fluoride varnish, arginine, Remineralizing agents like NovaMin salt (Calcium Sodium Phosphosilicate, bonding agents and filling materials are used to block dentinal tubules so play vital in dentin hypersensitivity management.
