Sometimes we all find our teeth can feel a little sensitive, but for some people dental sensitivity is a chronic condition they’ve been putting up with for years. Undiagnosed or untreated it’s a condition that can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life.
Typically, pain is triggered by a reaction to cold foods and liquids, breathing in cold air, hot beverages or other foods, or even the touch of a metal instrument.
Finding the cause
For patients presenting with sensitive teeth it’s paramount to identify the underlying cause and check if it’s an indication of more serious conditions such as a cracked tooth, dental caries or pulpitis.
Hypersensitivity is a known problem for patients undergoing tooth whitening as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide are able to quickly penetrate through enamel and into dentine, especially with younger patients where the dentinal tubules are more open.
Patients who’ve undergone periodontal treatment often have acute sensitivity after root planning or periodontal surgery. Some patients experience dentinal sensitivity after restorative procedures such as a class V restoration or other direct or indirect bonded restorations.
A common reason for sensitivity in restorative treatments is the opening of the dentinal tubules close to the margin of the restoration as a result of polishing procedures. Usually after polishing a composite surface sealant is applied, but although this will seal small irregularities on the composite, it won’t necessarily seal the open dentinal tubules at the same juncture. To prevent this risk after polishing any restoration that has the potential to expose dentin or cementum, it’s recommended that an effective desensitising protocol is put in place.
Treating the cause
To treat hypersensitivity effectively the exposed dentinal surface needs to be cleaned thoroughly to remove bacteria and inhibit biofilm to then treat and close the dentinal tubules. Based on this, recent research has led to the development of an effective silver fluoride and potassium iodide-based desensitising agent for treating tooth hypersensitivity. The silver fluoride and potassium iodide action in riva star blocks the microscopic tubules that make up dentine. A low-solubility precipitate is formed that gives instant relief. It acts by preventing the flow of fluid that produces sensitivity.
riva star combines the action of fluoride and silver with the patented booster effect of potassium iodide to provide instantaneous relief to hypersensitive teeth. Unlike other silver fluoride systems, riva star implements a two-step patented procedure to minimise the risk of staining. By applying the potassium iodide solution over the silver fluoride, a silver iodide creamy white precipitate is formed and then turns clear.
Many people have lived with sensitivity for years with limited treatment options available to them. However, today’s treatments are fast, easy and effective to provide long-lasting relief to the problem of tooth sensitivity. Incorporating these into your treatment offerings can provide significant benefits to your patients and even your practice as it can be used an extremely effective marketing tool for practice promotion.
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