Wincing at ice water? Let's fix that.

That sharp zing when something cold, hot, or sweet touches your teeth has a real cause — usually exposed dentin, the layer under the enamel that's wired directly to the nerve. Sensitivity is common, but “common” doesn't mean you have to live with it.

What causes sensitive teeth

• Gum recession exposing root surfaces that were never meant to be uncovered
• Worn enamel from acidic foods and drinks, or from brushing too hard
• A cavity or a leaking older filling
• A cracked tooth — especially if one tooth is sensitive rather than many
• Grinding and clenching, which wear enamel and stress the teeth
• Recent whitening — temporary, and it fades after treatment ends

How we treat it

First we find the cause — generalized sensitivity and single-tooth sensitivity have very different suspects. Depending on what we find: professional fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel and calm the nerve endings, bonding to cover exposed root surfaces, a filling where a cavity is the culprit — or an inlay/onlay or crown when decay is more extensive, or a custom night guard if grinding is behind it. We'll also fine-tune the home side — desensitizing toothpaste and brushing technique — because the cheapest fix that works is the right one. That's not a slogan; it's how a doctor-owned practice keeps patients for decades.

When sensitivity means something more

See us promptly if sensitivity is new and localized to one tooth, lingers more than 30 seconds after the trigger is gone, or comes with pain on biting — those patterns suggest a cavity, crack, or nerve issue that's better caught early. New patients: your exam and X-rays are $99 (D0150, D0330, D0210) without insurance, and many of the plans we work with cover exams at or near 100%.

Content reviewed by Jamisen Kohlman, DMD — KoLa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Austin, TX.