When is cervical sensitivity treatment necessary?
Cervical sensitivity can be effectively reduced by using sodium fluoride or sodium and potassium fluoride varnish, or with a cervical filling.
The cause of cervical sensitivity is mostly due to the exposed root surface, it is mostly due to receding of the gums due to certain pathological conditions or cervical wear. The exposed root surface is no longer protected by the solid tooth enamel, but the more porous dentin exposed (see the picture) can transmit either physical or chemical influences (acidic foods, heat, rubbing of the toothbrush) to the nerves running in the root, so a feeling of pain may develop. There are several solutions for treating the exposed dentin surface and for more or less permanent elimination of pain, one of which is the use of fluoride varnishes.
How does the treatment take place?
The first step in the treatment is to dry the teeth. This is achieved by blowing air onto it. Since we are talking about cervical sensitivity, high-pressure air can cause some pain, so the use of a local anesthetic spray may be justified in some patients. The air-dried tooth surface, especially the surface of the tooth neck, is then brushed with the fluoride varnish and then dried again. The fluorine molecules in the varnish are absorbed into the pores of the dentin material, which play a role in mediating the pain stimulus. Since the molecules of the varnish close these channels, the pores no longer transmit stimuli to the nerve fibers of the gum, therefore the sensitivity also disappears.
How durable is this treatment?
Like all varnishes, bifluoride varnish wears off after a while, so it may be necessary to repeat the treatment. The treatment is especially recommended if the exposed dentin surface can be eliminated by treating the periodontal problem, so it is expected that the gums will retreat to the root surface. If the problem is more serious and permanent healing of the gums is not expected, or cervical wear is observed, a more permanent solution is the use of a cervical filling.