The primary function of the teeth is to bite down on food and chew it into smaller pieces that are easy to digest. Fortunately, the teeth are designed to perform this task without disrupting the sensitive nerves and tissues that reside in the pulp of the tooth. Unfortunately, there are many dental complications that can disrupt this natural design and leave patients dealing with sensitivity, discomfort, or pain when they chew. In cases such as these, restorative dentistry treatment to strengthen the teeth and repair oral health problems is often necessary.
For patients dealing with issues regarding tooth sensitivity and chewing, Honolulu, HI dentist Rohinton J. Patel offers treatments to address the cause of tooth sensitivity, eliminate pain, and restore oral comfort.
Why Do My Teeth Hurt When I Chew?
Tooth sensitivity can be quite uncomfortable. In many cases, sensitivity causes severe discomfort, and often sharp, shooting pain. Many patients are surprised when biting and chewing suddenly become a problem.
There are actually many oral health problems that can lead to tooth sensitivity when chewing. When this sensitivity develops, it is important to see an experienced dentist, such as Dr. Rohinton, to determine the source of the problem. Some oral health problems that can lead to tooth sensitivity when chewing include:
- Tooth decay: Tooth decay does not always cause side effects, but when decay is advanced, the inner layers of the tooth can become exposed. When the protective layer of enamel surrounding the pulp of the tooth becomes compromised, sensitivity can become a problem, especially when pressure is applied to the teeth, as is the case with chewing.
- Infection: A common source of tooth sensitivity when chewing is infection. A root canal infection causes inflammation of the nerves and tissues in the center of the teeth. This condition can cause severe sensitivity and discomfort.
- Gum recession: Gum recession is a common side effect of periodontal disease. When the gums recede, or pull back, from the teeth, the roots of the tooth can become exposed. The roots are sensitive, so many patients with periodontal disease experience tooth sensitivity when chewing.
- Damaged dental work: Dental restorations repair problems such as decay, erosion, and oral injuries. While these restorations are effective, they do not last forever. Just like the natural teeth, restorative dental work will wear down or become damaged over time. When dental work becomes damaged, tooth sensitivity is likely to become a problem.
Eliminating Tooth Sensitivity when Chewing
To eliminate tooth sensitivity when chewing, the source of the discomfort must be treated. Dr. Rohinton offers a wide range of restorative dentistry treatments to rebuild damaged tooth enamel or replace damaged dental work. These restorative treatments include fillings, inlays and onlays, and dental crowns. In addition, Dr. Rohinton offers periodontal treatment to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar from beneath the gum line. These periodontal treatments encourage the healing and growth of gum tissue, to stop gum recession.
Learn More
There are a number of oral health problems that can lead to tooth sensitivity when chewing, but fortunately, there are also many dental treatments that are able to address this problem. Contact us at your earliest convenience to learn more about the wide range of restorative dentistry treatments offered by Dr. Rohinton J. Patel at his dental practice.
