If you have , you might already be thinking that professional teeth whitening is out of the question. Interestingly enough, it’s not impossible and our Cooper City cosmetic dentists may still be able to help you achieve a whiter smile using this method. We’ll of course have to assess your teeth carefully before recommending either in-office or at-home teeth whitening treatment.
Here’s what you need to know about teeth whitening if you have a more sensitive smile.
How Tooth Sensitivity Happens
occurs when the protective layers of your teeth, such as enamel or cementum, become worn down, exposing the dentin beneath. Dentin is filled with tiny tubules that lead to the nerve center of the tooth. When these tubules are exposed, they can allow hot, cold, acidic, or sweet substances to stimulate the nerve, resulting in a sharp, temporary pain. Sensitivity can range from mild to severe and can be triggered by a variety of factors.
Those include:
- Worn enamel from aggressive brushing or acidic foods
- Gum recession, exposing the roots of your teeth
- Tooth decay or cavities
- Fractured or chipped teeth
- Dental procedures, which can temporarily increase sensitivity
Different Degrees of Tooth Sensitivity
Sensitivity varies greatly from person to person. Some individuals may only experience mild discomfort when eating cold foods, while others might find it painful to even breathe in cold air. It’s important to recognize your level of sensitivity before whitening teeth. Mild sensitivity might not interfere much with daily activities, but moderate to severe sensitivity can significantly impact your quality of life, making it crucial to take extra precautions when considering a teeth whitening procedure.
It All Starts With a Professional Evaluation
Before recommending at-home or in-office whitening treatment, our dentists will start with an oral exam and thoroughly evaluate your smile. We’ll assess the level of sensitivity you experience, identifying the causes behind it, and determining whether your teeth are healthy enough for . Overall, the goal is to ensure that any treatment will be appropriate without exacerbating your sensitivity.
During the evaluation, you can expect our dentists to examine your enamel thickness, check for signs of gum recession, and look for any other factors contributing to your sensitivity, such as cavities or worn restorations. If your teeth are deemed suitable for whitening and you don’t want alternative options like veneers, we will discuss what’s best for your specific needs, whether that be in-office application or customized at-home teeth whitening trays.
Keeping Sensitivity Under Control During & After Treatment
If you choose in-office teeth whitening, the process is carefully monitored to minimize any discomfort. The whitening gel used in professional treatments is formulated to provide maximum results while reducing the risk of irritation to sensitive teeth. Additionally, a protective barrier is applied to the gums to shield them from the whitening agent, further limiting sensitivity.
For those who opt for take-home teeth whitening, custom-made trays are provided to ensure even distribution of the whitening gel and prevent leakage onto the gums, which can cause irritation. Our dentists may also recommend a lower concentration of whitening gel to minimize sensitivity while still achieving noticeable results.
After whitening, some patients might experience temporary sensitivity, even if they haven’t had issues before. This is usually mild and short-lived, but there are several strategies to manage it effectively:
- Desensitizing toothpaste: Using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help block pain signals and reduce discomfort.
- Fluoride treatments: Fluoride strengthens enamel and reduces sensitivity, and may be recommended as part of your post-whitening care.
- Avoiding triggers: Staying away from extremely hot or cold foods and drinks for a few days after whitening can help minimize discomfort.
Ask About Teeth Whitening Today
Don’t immediately shy away from this form of cosmetic treatment. Our teeth whitening dentists in Cooper City, FL, would love to meet with you one-on-one to discuss your dental sensitivity and see if we can work with what you have going on to achieve a brighter smile. Call Cooper City Family Dentistry today at (954) 252-8257 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
