A sudden twinge when sipping a hot coffee or enjoying ice cream is more than just discomfort; it’s a sign your teeth might be sensitive. Tooth sensitivity can affect daily comfort and confidence, but the good news is that modern dental care offers effective, lasting relief.
At White Orchid Dentistry, your trusted dentist near Bronte and Oakville, we help patients find the root cause of sensitivity and restore comfort using personalized, evidence-based treatments. Here’s what you need to know about why teeth become sensitive, and how your dentist can help you with tooth sensitivity treatment.
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the protective enamel layer thins or when gums recede, exposing the dentin underneath.
Main causes: enamel wear, gum recession, cavities, cracks, or grinding.
Common treatments: fluoride varnish, desensitizing toothpaste, bonding, fillings, or dental crowns.
Average cost range:
- Desensitizing treatment: $50–$150
- Filling for sensitive area: $150–$400
- Dental crown: $900–$1,500
Where to go: White Orchid Dentistry, your trusted partner for sensitive teeth treatment in Oakville.
Goal: Restore comfort, prevent damage, and enjoy hot and cold foods without pain.
Why Tooth Sensitivity Happens
Healthy teeth are protected by enamel, the hardest substance in your body. Beneath it lies a porous layer called dentin, which contains microscopic tubules that connect to the tooth’s nerve. When enamel wears down or gums recede, these tubules are exposed, and sensations like heat, cold, or pressure can reach the nerve, causing pain.
Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
- Enamel Erosion: Caused by acidic foods, sodas, or over-brushing.
- Gum Recession: Often due to periodontal disease or aggressive brushing.
- Cavities or Cracks: Open pathways to the tooth’s nerve.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Gradual enamel wear and nerve exposure.
- Recent Dental Work: Whitening, fillings, or cleanings may cause temporary sensitivity.
- Old Restorations: Worn fillings or loose crowns that allow leaks near the tooth root.
The key to relief is identifying why your teeth are sensitive, which is why a professional dental assessment is essential. Schedule your consultation today with us at 647-249-7318.
How Dentists Near Bronte Diagnose Sensitive Teeth
At White Orchid Dentistry, we start by gently examining your teeth and gums to locate the source of discomfort. Using advanced imaging and diagnostic tools, we check for:
- Weak or thinning enamel
- Exposed roots
- Micro-cracks or worn fillings
- Signs of clenching or grinding
- Possible gum disease or inflammation
This thorough assessment ensures we choose the right treatment tailored to your exact needs, whether preventive, restorative, or both.
Professional Tooth Sensitivity Treatments
Once the cause is identified, your dentist will recommend one or more solutions to strengthen and protect your teeth.
1. Fluoride or Desensitizing Treatments
A simple in-office fluoride varnish or desensitizing gel can seal exposed dentin and block nerve signals.
- Best for: Mild to moderate sensitivity from enamel wear or brushing abrasion.
- Duration: Quick 10–15 minute procedure, results can last several months.
- Cost: ~$50–$150.
2. Dental Bonding for Exposed Roots
If gum recession has exposed tooth roots, bonding can be applied to cover the exposed surface. The composite material also helps insulate the tooth from temperature changes.
- Best for: Root exposure and surface wear.
- Cost: ~$250–$600 per tooth.
3. Cavity Fillings and Repair for Worn Areas
If decay or small cavities are causing sensitivity, restoring the area with a cavity filling in Oakville can prevent further damage and eliminate pain.
- Best for: Decay or structural loss.
- Cost: $150–$400, depending on size and material.
4. Dental Crowns for Deep Sensitivity or Cracks
When enamel loss or cracks are severe, a dental crown in Oakville may be the best way to protect the tooth structure and nerve.
- Crowns restore function, appearance, and long-term comfort.
- Cost: $900–$1,500 per tooth.
5. Night Guards for Grinding-Related Sensitivity
If grinding or clenching is the root cause, a custom night guard helps prevent enamel wear and nerve irritation.
- Cost: ~$300–$600 and lasts several years with proper care.
6. Gum Therapy or Grafting
For cases of gum recession, soft-tissue grafting may cover exposed roots and strengthen gum attachment.
- Best for: Chronic sensitivity from receding gums or periodontal disease.
- Performed under local anesthesia with minimal downtime.
Home Care Tips to Prevent Sensitive Teeth
While professional treatment is key, consistent care at home helps prevent sensitivity from returning.
- Use sensitive-formula toothpaste (look for potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride)
- Brush gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush
- Avoid highly acidic foods and drinks
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
- Schedule regular cleanings every 6 months
- Avoid whitening products without dental supervision
Our team at White Orchid Dentistry will personalize your hygiene routine to protect and preserve your enamel. Contact us today!
When Tooth Sensitivity Signals a Bigger Issue
While many cases are mild, sensitivity can sometimes be a symptom of a deeper concern, such as:
- Cavities or infections close to the nerve
- Cracked tooth syndrome
- Old restorations leaking
- Advanced gum disease
If your sensitivity lasts longer than a few days, worsens, or affects a specific area, don’t wait; contact your Oakville dentist for an evaluation. Early treatment can save you discomfort and prevent costly procedures later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my teeth hurt when I drink something cold?
Can sensitive teeth be cured permanently?
Is tooth sensitivity a sign of a cavity?
Does whitening cause sensitivity?
Yes, temporarily. Professional whitening minimizes this effect using controlled formulas and fluoride-based post-care.
What is the fastest way to relieve sensitivity at home?
Use a desensitizing toothpaste twice daily and avoid extreme hot or cold foods until you see your dentist for proper diagnosis and care.
Why Choose White Orchid Dentistry for Tooth Sensitivity Treatment in Oakville
Here is why you need to choose our professionals at White Orchid Dentistry:
- Compassionate, patient-centered approach to oral comfort
- State-of-the-art technology for diagnosis and care
- Gentle, customized, sensitive teeth treatment
- Comprehensive options, from fluoride varnish to full restorations
- Convenient location near Bronte, Oakville, with evening and family appointments
At White Orchid Dentistry, our goal is to help every patient eat, smile, and speak comfortably again.
Conclusion — Find Lasting Relief from Sensitive Teeth
Tooth sensitivity shouldn’t keep you from enjoying your favorite foods or smiling freely. Whether it’s caused by enamel wear, cavities, or gum recession, professional care can restore comfort and protect your teeth long-term.
Schedule your consultation at White Orchid Dentistry, your trusted provider for tooth sensitivity treatment in Oakville. Let our friendly team help you rediscover the comfort of a healthy, confident smile.
Get Relief from Tooth Sensitivity – Start with a Gentle Visit Today
Tooth sensitivity doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. Whether your pain comes from enamel wear, cavities, or gum recession, our team at White Orchid Dentistry is here to help you find lasting comfort.
Call 647-249-7318 or book your appointment online today, and take the first step toward enjoying your favorite hot and cold foods again, pain-free.