| ✅ Reviewed by Dr. Tom McCawley | 🕒 Reading time: three minutes |
Tooth sensitivity can make everyday activities uncomfortable. For many patients, the problem is not weak tooth enamel or brushing habits but receding gums. When gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, sensitive root surfaces become exposed, leading to sharp pain with cold drinks, brushing, or temperature changes.
Best Treatment for Sensitive Teeth
When tooth sensitivity is caused by gum recession, the most effective treatment is restoring gum tissue over the exposed tooth roots. Products such as desensitizing toothpaste or fluoride treatments may temporarily reduce discomfort, but they do not address the underlying cause.
Exposed roots lack the protective enamel layer found on the crown of the tooth. As a result, they are far more responsive to temperature and pressure. Long-term relief requires repositioning the gums to protect these vulnerable areas.
Why Receding Gums Lead to Tooth Sensitivity
Healthy gums protect the roots of the teeth and help insulate them from irritation. When the gums recede, the softer root surface is left exposed. This surface contains microscopic tubules that transmit sensation directly to the nerve, making the tooth highly sensitive.
Gum recession may develop due to periodontal disease, aggressive brushing, genetics, teeth grinding, orthodontic treatment, or tobacco use. As recession progresses, sensitivity often becomes more persistent and noticeable.
Without treatment, sensitivity related to gum recession typically worsens over time rather than improving.
A Targeted Treatment for Sensitivity from Receding Gums
For patients whose sensitivity is caused by receding gums, the Pinhole Surgical Technique offers a minimally invasive way to restore gum coverage and protect exposed tooth roots. The procedure gently repositions existing gum tissue through a small pinhole opening, without taking tissue from the roof of the mouth or placing sutures.
Once the gums are repositioned, exposed root surfaces are shielded from temperature changes and daily irritation. This approach corrects the structural cause of sensitivity rather than masking symptoms. Improvement is often noticeable shortly after treatment.
Benefits of Treating Receding Gums with the Pinhole Technique
Patients choose this treatment because it provides effective relief with less disruption than traditional gum grafting. Benefits include:
- No cutting or sutures
- No tissue taken from the palate
- Faster recovery
- Minimal post-treatment discomfort
- Immediate reduction in tooth sensitivity
- Natural-looking gumline restoration
Multiple teeth can often be treated in a single visit, making the procedure efficient and convenient.
Addressing Sensitivity at Its Source
Sensitivity from receding gums occurs when exposed roots lose the protection of healthy gum tissue. Restoring that coverage can reduce discomfort and help limit further irritation. A periodontal evaluation can determine whether this approach is appropriate.
To book an appointment at our periodontal office in Fort Lauderdale, FL, call (954) 807-4829 or visit us at 800 East Broward Blvd #706 Fort Lauderdale, FL.
FAQs
In most cases, no. Sensitivity caused by exposed roots often worsens over time if the gum tissue is not restored. Toothpaste and fluoride products may reduce symptoms temporarily, but they do not protect the exposed root surface. Reducing acids in your diet will help reduce sensitivity.
The most effective treatment is restoring gum coverage over exposed tooth roots. Toothpaste and fluoride products may reduce symptoms temporarily, but they do not address the exposed root surface that causes sensitivity.
Sensodyne or Colgate Active Prevention toothpaste may reduce discomfort by dulling nerve response, but it does not restore lost gum tissue or protect exposed roots. Sensitivity often returns when use is stopped.
Natural or home remedies cannot restore lost gum tissue or cover exposed roots. Once gum tissue is lost, it does not grow back. While good oral hygiene may slow progression, it does not reverse gum recession or resolve root sensitivity.
Receding gums do not grow back on their own. Once gum tissue is lost, it must be restored through periodontal treatment to protect exposed roots and reduce sensitivity.
Lifestyle changes such as gentle brushing and avoiding tobacco may help prevent further recession, but they do not restore gum tissue or eliminate sensitivity caused by exposed roots.
