That feels better – Effective, sustainable treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity

Anne Guignon RDH, MPH, CSP

Sensitivity Series: Part 2

Dentinal hypersensitivity is a cardinal symptom that stems primarily from tooth erosion, a process that starts long before the tooth is visibly damaged. Exposed root structure caused by gingival recession, abrasion, and attrition set the stage for the devastating effects of erosion-driven tooth demineralization.

There are both professional treatments and over-the-counter products that have the capacity to stop the pain created by dentinal hypersensitivity. Many products reverse demineralization and microscopically rebuild damaged tooth structure. Others restore comfort via surface protection.

Today dental professionals have a wide range of effective, sustainable treatment modalities and strategies to help patients control and resolve the pain and discomfort created by dentinal hypersensitivity.

Participants will

• Learn about hypersensitivity risk factors, more about the most common cause of sensitivity, and how to initiate a conversation about in-office and home-based treatment options.
• Appreciate the unique differences between nerve depolarization, tubule occlusion, and barrier therapies.
• Discover the similarities and differences in wide range of different relief formulations that are based on specific chemistries including: fluoride, calcium phosphate, arginine bicarbonate, chlorohexidine, and herbal ingredients. Formulations include pastes, gels, liquids, rinses, serums, chews, varnish, and powder/liquid combinations. Both professional desensitizing and patient applied products are available in a range of delivery methods: direct application, self-cure and light-cure, laser initiated, and iontophoresis delivery.
• Recognize strategies to improve the success of desensitizing therapy: biofilm disruption, dietary modifications, dry mouth therapies, and methods to slow down tooth erosion.