Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold may be caused by gingival recession. Receding gums is the oral exposure of the root surface caused by gingival margin displacement apical to the cemento-enamel junction. When this happens, dentinal tubules are exposed and the patient may experience tooth sensitivity to hot and cold. This sensitivity is characterized by short, sharp pain in response to thermal, evaporative, tactile, or osmotic stimuli no attributable to any other dental defect or pathology. This experience may impact a patients quality of life in everyday activities, such as eating, drinking, talking, toothbrushing, and social interactions. Several approaches to tooth sensitivity have been investigated, including dental restorations, fluoride treatment, dental sealants, and periodontal surgery. As a board certified periodontist, I recognize that every situation is unique and may require different approaches. Many situations require some sort of gingival grafting in order to replace gum tissue. I feel it is in the patients best interest to put back what was once there, instead of a dental restoration that doesn’t have a good long term prognosis.
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- Pre gum grafting
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- Post gum grafting
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- Exposed Roots
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- Post Treatment
Oklahoma City Case Presentation
The current patient was referred to me by her general dentist for evaluation of her receding gums. I determined that her recession and tooth sensitivity was caused by mechanical trauma, tooth malposition, previous orthodontic treatment, and thin biotype. Multiple teeth had severe recession (see before pic), and approximately 6 to 8 mm of root structure was exposed. I utilized a donor allograft in order to accomplish root coverage and thicken the gum tissue to decrease the possibility of future recession. The patient healed exceptionally well and without complications (see after pic). After six weeks, surgical success included 100% root coverage and a thicker gingival tissue that is more resistant to future recession.
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