Dental Concerns
Sensitive Teeth
Tooth sensitivity happens when the inner layer of a tooth, called dentin, is exposed and reacts to cold, heat, sweets, or brushing. Exposed roots, worn enamel, cavities, cracks, and recent dental work are the most common causes. Dr. Jaime Lee identifies the cause of your sensitivity and recommends treatment that protects the tooth and eases the discomfort.
What causes sensitive teeth?
Dentin contains tiny channels that lead to the nerve of the tooth, so when the enamel or gums no longer cover it, temperature and pressure reach the nerve more easily. Gum recession, worn enamel from grinding or acidic drinks, and brushing too hard can all expose dentin. A cavity, a cracked tooth, or a worn filling can also cause sensitivity in a single tooth.
How does Dr. Lee find the cause?
Dr. Lee examines the sensitive teeth, the gums around them, and any fillings or crowns, with X-rays if needed to check for decay or cracks. She notes whether the sensitivity affects one tooth or many, since that points to different causes. The cause determines the treatment.
How is tooth sensitivity treated?
| Cause | Treatment Dr. Lee may recommend |
|---|---|
| Exposed roots or worn enamel | A desensitizing toothpaste, or bonding to cover the exposed area |
| A cavity or worn filling | A new filling |
| A cracked tooth | A crown or onlay to hold the tooth together |
| Grinding | A nightguard to protect the teeth |
| Gum disease | Gum treatment to restore the health of the gums |
| Inflamed nerve | Root canal treatment when the nerve cannot recover |
Is sensitivity after dental work normal?
Mild sensitivity after a filling, crown, cleaning, or whitening is common and usually fades over days to a few weeks. Sensitivity that grows stronger, lingers after the cold is gone, or comes with pain when biting is worth having Dr. Lee check. Our aftercare guides explain what is normal after each treatment.
When should you schedule an evaluation?
Schedule an evaluation if sensitivity lasts more than a few days, centers on one tooth, or makes eating or brushing uncomfortable. Call the office promptly if a tooth aches on its own or the area around it swells.
Frequently asked questions
Does sensitivity toothpaste work?
Desensitizing toothpaste can reduce sensitivity from exposed dentin when used consistently over a few weeks. It does not treat a cavity or crack, so lasting sensitivity in one tooth should be evaluated.
Why are my teeth sensitive after whitening?
Whitening gel can temporarily make teeth more sensitive, and it usually fades within a few days. Our whitening aftercare guide explains how to manage it.
Can sensitive teeth be a sign of a cavity?
Yes. Sensitivity to sweets or cold in one tooth can come from decay, and Dr. Lee checks for it during your evaluation.
Related pages
Where is our Seattle dental office?
Smile Art is at 901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030, Seattle, WA 98104. We welcome new patients from Seattle and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Seattle, WA 98104
HoursMonday–Thursday, 8:00am–4:00pm
Phone(206) 325-7200
The Cabrini Medical Tower garage entrance is at 1010 Marion St. The building entrance is on Boren Ave; Dr. Lee is in Suite 1030. Parking for a Smile Art visit does not require validation. Directions to the garage. Check posted rates when you park.