Dentinal hypersensitivity

Question 1

List the steps involved in diagnosing dentinal hypersensitivity

Answer 1

• Thorough patient history
• Radiographic evaluation (rule out other issues)
• Clinical examination
• Specific questioning (about stimuli)
• Clinical application of air, cold or mechanical exploration

Question 2

List the four ways of how dentinal hypersensitivity can naturally spontaneously resolve

Answer 2

• Teeth undergo natural process of occlusion of open tubules. This can be accelerated with the use of desensitising dentifrices, fluoride and saliva minerals
• Tubular sclerosis which occurs naturally as root dentin ages but can also be caused by trauma, abrasion, or bacterial invasion
• Secondary dentin which forms due to irritation and stimulation
• Calculus formation

Question 3

State the ingredients in toothpastes for sensitive teeth

Answer 3

• Potassium nitrate

* Strontium chloride

Question 4

State desensitising fluorides (NOT remineralising)

Answer 4

Stannous fluoride

Sodium fluoride