Tooth sensitivity is a common complaint. It is often caused by worn dental enamel or gum recession, which can worsen with certain medical conditions, hormone fluctuations, and age. Patients with this issue report the feeling of a sharp zing of pain when eating or drinking something hot or excessively cold. While a simple solution to tooth sensitivity may be to avoid consuming anything that is too hot or cold, that can zap pleasure out of enjoying a cup of coffee or your favorite ice cream. Therefore, Dr. Christine Tenaglia answers this popular question – does dental bonding reduce tooth sensitivity? Here’s what Okemos patients should know.

What is dental bonding?

Dental bonding uses composite resin, a pliable material that bonds to your tooth and is then cured to cover imperfections like a chipped tooth, close gaps between teeth, and cover worn enamel that may be causing tooth sensitivity. The material is chosen in a shade that best matches your teeth and looks incredibly natural. Dr. Tenaglia is an award-winning cosmetic dentist in Okemos that has received accolades for her work in dental bonding.

Benefits of Dental Bonding for Tooth Sensitivity

Dental bonding may help reduce tooth sensitivity in certain cases including:

• Protect exposed roots – Bonding can be placed over exposed tooth roots where gum recession has occurred, helping reduce sensitivity.
• Strengthen worn enamel – In cases of worn enamel where the dentin layer is exposed, dental bonding may help reduce zings of pain and make eating and drinking hot and cold foods more of a comfortable experience.
• Seals cracked or chipped teeth – If you have a tooth that has a minor crack or chip, dental bonding is a useful treatment to repair the tooth, reduce sensitivity, and prevent further damage.
• Enhance aesthetics – Dental bonding can be an excellent quick fix if you have a tooth (or more) that have imperfections. Not only does it enhance the look of a tooth but can help shield it from temperature fluctuations.

How can dental bonding help tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity typically occurs due to exposed tooth roots or worn dental enamel, which cannot always be prevented. As a result, the dentin layer is exposed to hot and cold fluctuations in the mouth. In health teeth, enamel protects the dentin layer, but tooth roots do not have enamel and if the enamel on your teeth wears thin, tooth sensitivity may develop. However, dental bonding can help by creating a barrier and insulting the tooth to block hot or cold substances from aggravating the tooth’s nerves and causing sensitivity. Dental bonding is long lasting and looks completely natural, especially when placed by an experienced cosmetic dentist in Okemos like Dr. Tenaglia.

Dental Bonding in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, Michigan

The best way to know if dental bonding or any procedure is right for you is to schedule a consultation with Tenaglia Smiles. If you are an adult with receding gums or have tooth imperfections like minor chips or cracks that result in tooth sensitivity, then dental bonding may be right for you. Learn more about dental bonding in Okemos by calling Tenaglia Smiles at (517) 347-6733.