Dentist - sensitive teeth problem

joyfull

I visit the (NHS) dentist quite frequently, have a lot of deep fillings, some gum recession and sensitive teeth. I use sensodyne for the sensitivity.

Went y'day as a back tooth had broken. My dentist is great and I have confidence in his ability. Trouble is, I experience torture when the cold water (from the drill?) hits my sensitive teeth and receeding gums. Although the nurse hoovers up the water it pools against bottom teeth.

This is the single most feared thing I have at the dentist and I HATE being a fusspot as I can see it irritates my dentist. I try to smear some orvagel around my gums to alleviate but it's not much help.

Do others have this problem? Any suggestions?

Thanks.

suki1964

I have the exact same problem.

Only my dentist is very very very understanding and numbs me up completely - top and bottom to get me through the treatment. Also the nurses and he both know to try keep the cold bits to the side thats numb and not be lax and let them slide

It shouldnt be "irritate" your dentist. You dentist should be working with you to make the experience as pain free as possible.

Ive been seeing this Dentist close on five years now and for the first time ever in my life I dont put off going. Its never going to be something thats going to be completely pain free for me - but at least he does his utmost to make it so

JustBe_2

I`m like suki..

My dentist numbs all round the sensitive areas before having my teeth cleaned as it is agony without it:(

This was after a rather torturous attempt without having it numbed, I told him I would not be able to go through the procedure again if he did`nt freeze me up beforehand,, he agreed no problem.

I would`nt be happy though if I thought he was annoyed with you for asking questions. Tell him how painful it is, he should understand and if not find a new dentist;)

A good tip if you suffer with sensitivity alot is to use Sensodyne for brushing but also apply some to the gums during the day,, it really makes a difference.

JustBe

belfastgirl23

if you've already had the check up and are returning solely for treatment, it's worth taking a couple of painkillers before your appointment. It cuts down on the sensitivity quite a bit. Obviously no good before a checkup though since you need to know if it hurts....

nomuny

I have this problem - had a recent S&P done by hand rather than with the machine due to this. use colgate sensitive but there are still days when everything I hurts.

joyfull

Thanks for the interesting replies. I've been shunted off 2 practices when they went private and NHS dentists are few and far between here, which is why I stick with my present dentist. Using painkillers before going is a good idea though.

I'd be most interested to get a dentist's view of this problem. I'll maybe bump up the thread on monday when they're more likely to be on the forum.

brook2jack

The receeding gums and sensitive teeth are because of gum disease. Hopefully you are using tepe brushes and flossing to keep this under control.

Don't use sensitive toothpaste and rinse as you are washing the stuff away , brush, apply to the roots with a finger and tepee then spit don't rinse as it allows a layer to build up.

Taking an appropriate painkiller an hour is a good idea.

Bottom teeth are easier because you can easily numb up one side with one injection, however to numb all the top teeth requires an injection for each tooth and there is a limit to how much anaesthetic youcan give. Normally though putting cotton wool rolls over sensitive teeth helps.

Privately some people find the dentist using oroquix gel which is applied to the teeth helps with sensitivity but this is too expensive to use on the NHS.

The dentist can apply fluoride paste to the roots on the nhs which long term may help. However the biggest long term help will be to be meticulous with cleaning and stop smoking if you do. The recession will get no worse and the sensitivity will get a chance to settle.

suki1964

I see a hygienist now ( privately ) four to six times a year for deep thorough cleaning. Im to see her again in April after a long break in treatment and I know I will be so bad again that we are going to have to go the sedation route. There is improvement and a few teeth that I should have lost are still just about hanging in there ( bone has nearly gone in some areas). But I know I dont do enough myself with flossing etc

coldstreamalways

Perhaps you could ask him to isolate the tooth (if practical) using rubber dam? That way the rest of the teeth are protected from the water.

PS. You pay privately for a hygienist but don't do the required flossing etc, why is that? Why don't you just put your money in an envelope and donate it to charity? That way you get a warm fuzzy feeling for doing a good deed and you do't have to be sedated for it!

joyfull

Thanks Brookjack. I don't smoke & keep teeth very clean. Infact I've been told by dentists that the receeding gums are the product of over rigorous brushing. Many moons ago a dentist told me to brush back teeth properly or lose them. I guess I went overboard!

Anyway I appreciate the advice and take it all on board.

suki1964

coldstreamalways wrote: »

Perhaps you could ask him to isolate the tooth (if practical) using rubber dam? That way the rest of the teeth are protected from the water.

PS. You pay privately for a hygienist but don't do the required flossing etc, why is that? Why don't you just put your money in an envelope and donate it to charity? That way you get a warm fuzzy feeling for doing a good deed and you do't have to be sedated for it!

Excuse me???

I do floss, use the wee denta brushes and use corsodyl mouth wash as well as sensitive toothpaste and using a small soft headed brush


When you qualify as a hygienist or dental surgeon, please feel free to tell me what to do - after you have treated me and seen how much constant daily work is required to keep my remaining teeth in my head