Having a sensitive tooth can be a very uncomfortable and even painful experience. It can make it difficult to enjoy your favorite hot and cold foods and drinks. If you have noticed that your crowned tooth is sensitive to heat, you may be wondering why and what you can do about it. In this article, we’ll discuss why your crowned tooth may be sensitive to heat and the potential treatments available to help you manage the discomfort.
What Causes Crowned Tooth Sensitivity to Heat and How Can You Treat It?
Crowned tooth sensitivity to heat is caused by a lack of enamel. Enamel is the protective layer on the outside of teeth and helps to keep the inner layers of the tooth safe from heat, cold, and other external stimuli. When the enamel is worn away, the inner layers of the tooth become exposed and sensitive to heat. This can be caused by a variety of things, such as brushing too hard, eating acidic foods, or grinding your teeth.
The best way to treat crowned tooth sensitivity to heat is to protect the enamel. This can be done by brushing gently, using fluoride toothpaste, avoiding acidic foods, and avoiding grinding your teeth. Additionally, it is important to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleaning and to check for any signs of damage to your enamel.
If the sensitivity persists, your dentist may recommend a desensitizing toothpaste. Desensitizing toothpaste contains ingredients that help to block the transmission of temperature signals from the tooth surface to the nerve, thus reducing sensitivity.
It is also important to note that crowns and fillings may also cause sensitivity to heat. If this is the case, your dentist may recommend a different type of restoration to reduce sensitivity.
How to Protect Your Crowned Tooth from being overly Sensitive
Protecting a crowned tooth from sensitivity to heat can be a challenge, but it is possible. Here are some tips for reducing sensitivity:
- Maintain a Good Oral Hygiene Routine: Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day, in addition to regular dental cleanings, can help reduce the inflammation that can lead to sensitivity.
- Avoid Foods and Beverages with High Acid Content: Foods and beverages with a high acid content, such as citrus fruits, tomato products, and carbonated beverages, can weaken tooth enamel and lead to sensitivity.
- Use a Fluoride Rinse: Rinsing with a fluoride rinse can help strengthen the enamel and reduce sensitivity.
- Use a Desensitizing Toothpaste: There are desensitizing toothpaste available that can help reduce sensitivity.
- Avoid Hot and Cold Temperatures: Try to avoid extreme temperatures, including hot and cold beverages, as these can cause sensitivity in crowned teeth.
- Use a Soft Toothbrush: Using a soft toothbrush when brushing will help reduce sensitivity as it is less abrasive.
By following these tips, you can help reduce sensitivity in your crowned tooth and protect it from heat.
Understanding the Role of Cavities in Crowned Tooth
Cavities are a common dental problem that can lead to a variety of issues, including tooth sensitivity to heat. In particular, teeth with crowns can be particularly sensitive to heat if there are cavities present. To understand why this is the case, it is important to understand the role of cavities in crowned tooth sensitivity to heat.
Cavities are caused by the buildup of bacteria on the teeth, which results in the erosion of the enamel and the formation of hollow spaces called cavities. When cavities form on a crowned tooth, the crown itself may not be affected. However, the portion of the tooth underneath the crown may become vulnerable to decay. This decay can eventually cause the nerve endings in the tooth to become exposed and more sensitive to changes in temperature.
When a crowned tooth with a cavity is exposed to heat, the nerve endings in the tooth can become irritated, resulting in pain or discomfort. Additionally, the nerve endings may become more vulnerable to further damage from the heat. This can lead to further sensitivity and pain, as well as the potential for the cavity to become larger and more severe.
To prevent crowned tooth sensitivity to heat, it is important to address any cavities present on the tooth. This can be done by visiting a dentist and having the cavity filled. Additionally, it is important to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly, to prevent the buildup of bacteria on the teeth.
In conclusion, cavities can lead to crowned tooth sensitivity to heat. To prevent this, it is important to have any cavities filled and to practice good oral hygiene.
Is there a treatment that can fully heal the tooth?
Treatment for crowned tooth sensitivity to heat usually involves a two-step process. The first step is to identify and address the cause of the sensitivity. Possible causes of sensitivity can include exposed dentin, a cracked crown, or decay below the crown. If a cracked crown is the cause, the crown will need to be replaced. If there is decay, a filling may be necessary. If the sensitivity is caused by exposed dentin, the dentist may recommend applying a desensitizing agent such as fluoride gel.
The second step in treatment is to provide relief for the symptoms. The dentist may recommend using a desensitizing toothpaste that contains active ingredients like potassium nitrate. These ingredients work to block the pain signals from the nerve endings in the tooth. If necessary, the dentist may also prescribe a stronger medication, such as an anti-inflammatory or an analgesic.
Finally, the dentist may recommend lifestyle changes to help reduce sensitivity. Avoiding acidic foods, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, and avoiding very hot or cold beverages can all help reduce sensitivity. In some cases, the dentist may also recommend avoiding whitening products or other abrasive products that could further aggravate the sensitivity.
In most cases, treatment for crowned tooth sensitivity to heat is successful in reducing the symptoms and providing relief from discomfort. However, if the sensitivity persists after treatment, it is important to visit the dentist for further evaluation.
How to Manage Pain and Discomfort From Crowned Tooth
Crowned tooth sensitivity to heat can cause pain and discomfort, but there are ways to manage it. Here are some tips for managing sensitivity to heat when you have a crowned tooth:
- Use desensitizing toothpaste. An over-the-counter desensitizing toothpaste can help reduce tooth sensitivity to heat. Look for toothpaste that contains potassium nitrate, which has been proven to alleviate sensitivity.
- Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash. Fluoride mouthwash can help reduce sensitivity. Look for one that is specifically designed for sensitive teeth.
- Avoid hot and cold foods and drinks. If you have a crowned tooth, you should avoid foods and drinks that are too hot or too cold. This will help reduce the sensitivity.
- Try using a desensitizing gel or strip. You can find desensitizing gels or strips that you can apply directly to the affected tooth. This can help reduce sensitivity.
- See your dentist for professional treatment. If the sensitivity persists, it’s important to see your dentist for professional treatment. Your dentist can prescribe a stronger desensitizing toothpaste or a sealant to help reduce the sensitivity.
By following these tips, you can help reduce the pain and discomfort of crowned tooth sensitivity to heat. Remember to see your dentist for further advice and treatment if the sensitivity persists.
Conclusion
It is likely that your crowned tooth is sensitive to heat due to a number of possible causes, such as the underlying tooth structure, cement used to bond the crown to the tooth, or an infection. In order to treat the sensitivity, it is important to consult your dentist to determine the cause of the sensitivity and the best treatment plan. Depending on the cause, your dentist may recommend using desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride treatments, or a root canal.