Clinician's Guide to the Diagnosis and Management of Tooth Sensitivity

Abstract

Includes index. Tooth sensitivity, or dentin hypersensitivity, has a high prevalence among the general population and is a very common cause of visits to the dentist. This concise, easy-to-read guide provides the clinician with the most important information required for the correct diagnosis and effective management of dentin hypersensitivity. After discussion of theories regarding the underlying mechanisms, predisposing medical and dental conditions are reviewed. The route to an accurate diagnosis, based on determination of the precise cause, is then explained. A range of potential treatment approaches and their applications are discussed, including dentin blocking agents, nerve desensitization, restorative approaches, and periodontal surgery. Preventive, at-home, and in-office treatment modalities are all described, and future treatments are also considered. Helpful flowcharts are included that will facilitate decision making. Introduction to dentin hypersensitivity -- Mechanism of dentin hypersensitivity -- Etiology and predisposing factors to dentin hypersensitivity -- Diagnosis of dentin hypersensitivity -- Treatment approaches for dentin hypersensitivity -- Treatment modalities of dentin hypersensitivity -- Study designs to investigating dentin hypersensitivity.