Chapter 41: Dentinal hypersensitivity Flashcards
pain elicited by a stimulus and alleviated upon its removal. Numerous types of stimuli can lead to pain response in individuals with exposed dentin surfaces.
dentinal hypersensitivity
contact with toothbrush and other oral hygiene devices, eating utensils, dental instruments, and friction from prosthetic devices such as denture clasps.
tactile reaction
temperature change caused by hot and/or cold foods and beverages, and cold air as it contacts the teeth. Cold is the most common stimulus for pain.
thermal reaction
dehydration of oral fluids as from high-volume evacuation or application of air to dry teeth during intraoral procedures.
Evaporative reaction
alteration of pressure in dentinal tubules through a selective membrane.
osmotic
acids in foods and beverages such as citrus fruits, condiments, spices, wine, and carbonated beverages; acids produced by acidogenic bacteria following carbohydrate exposure; acids from gastric regurgitation; acidic formulation of whitening agents.
chemical reaction
Characteristics of Pain from Hypersensitivity
Sharp, short, or transient pain with rapid onset.
Cessation of pain upon removal of stimulus.
Presents as a chronic condition with acute episodes.
Pain in response to a non-noxious stimulus, one that would not normally cause pain or discomfort.
Discomfort that cannot be ascribed to any other dental defect or pathology.
The portion of the tooth covered by enamel on the crown and cementum on the root.
Composed of fluid-filled dentinal tubules that narrow and branch as they extend from the pulp to the dentinoenamel junction or from the pulp to the dentinocementum junction
dentin
Only the portions of the dentinal tubules closest to the ___ are potentially innervated with ______ endings from the pulp chamber.
pulp
nerve fiber
Tubules are ____ and more numerous in _____ areas
wider
sensitive
Highly innervated with nerve cell fiber endings that extend just beyond the dentinopulpal interface of the dentinal tubules.
Body portions of odontoblasts (dentin-producing cells) located adjacent to the pulp extend their processes from the dentinopulpal junction a short way into each dentinal tubule
pulp
_____ fiber endings extend just beyond the dentinopulpal junction4 and wind around the odontoblastic processes. However, not all dentinal tubules contain _____.
nerve
Nerves react via the same neural ______ (sodium–potassium pump), which characterizes the response of any nerve to a stimulus.
neural depolarization mechanism
As a result of the lower mineral content of _____ & _____ compared with enamel, demineralization occurs more rapidly and at a lower critical pH.
cementum and dentin
Acute hypersensitivity may occur with sudden dentin exposure since gradual exposure allows for the development of natural desensitization mechanisms such ___________ or ________
as smear layer or sclerosis
Loss of enamel or cementum can expose ____ gradually or suddenly as in tooth fracture.
dentin
The occurrence of gingival recession has a multifactorial etiology. Potential causes include:
Effects of improper oral self-care:
- Use of a medium- or hard-bristle toothbrush
- Frequent, long-term aggressive use of the toothbrush and/or other oral hygiene devices.
Enamel and cementum do not meet at the _________ ____ in about __-__% of teeth, leaving an area of exposed dentin.
cementoenamel junction
5-10 %
can occur due to parafunctional habits such as bruxing.
attrition
Effects of attrition and abrasion are exacerbated when ___ erodes the tooth surface or when the tooth is brushed immediately after consumption of acidic foods and beverages.
acid
Dietary acid intake results in an immediate drop in oral pH; after normal salivary neutralization, a physiologic pH of __ reestablishes within minutes
7