5. Dentine Hypersensitivity Flashcards
Definition of dentine hypersensitivity
Short sharp pain arising from exposed dentine in response to stimuli which cannot be ascribed to any other form of dental defect or pathology
Stimuli that result in dentine hypersensitivity (6)
Thermal Electrical (EPT) Mechanical-Tactile (probe) Osmotic (hypertonic solutions) Evaporation (compressed air) Chemical (acids
Causes of dentine hypersensitivity (2)
Tooth wear
Gingival recession
Types of tooth wear (3)
Erosion
Attrition
Abrasion
Definition of erosion
Irreversible loss of tooth structure due to chemical processes by non-bacterial acids
Definition of attrition
Tooth-to-tooth contact, resulting in the loss of tooth tissues, usually starting at the incised or occlusal surfaces (Bruxism - parafunctional activity)
Definition of abrasion
Pathological, non-carious tooth loss caused by objects (not teeth), frequently presenting at the ACJ
Definition of gingival recession
Exposure of the root of a tooth
Causes of gingival recession (2)
Loss of gingival tissues
Retraction of the gingival margin from the crown of teeth
Specific causes/examples of gingival recession (9)
Periodontal disease Overaggressive brushing Improper flossing Genetics Trauma Scurvy Acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis Intra-oral piercings rubbing Intentional gingival retraction
Stages of dentine hypersensitivity development (2)
Lesion localisation
Lesion initiation
Description of lesion localisation
Exposure of dentinal tubules
Description of lesion initiation
Removal of smear layer/plugs, exposing tubule at both ends
Cause of hypersensitivity
Hydrodynamic theory
Description of hydrodynamic theory (4)
Something on exposed dentine causes fluid to move into tubule
Fluid travels through tubule
Fluid excites pre-sensory nerve receptors, nerve fires AP
Signal reaches brain, causing sensation (pain)
