For more than five years I've experienced sensitivity to sweets near
the gum line of teeth number 22 and 23 lingual. I'm 70 years old.
Neither tooth is crowned or capped.

During those five years my dentist has kept me relatively pain-free by
applying bonding agent to protect the teeth where they are sensitive.

At times, the bonding agent will be effective for as long as six to
eight months before it wears off. Other times, only several weeks.
Then, it must be reapplied.

A few months ago, I was referred to an endodontist who had the latest
digital x-ray equipment. He looked at the two teeth in question and
said that if I wanted a permanent solution that I should consider
doing a root canal on the two teeth and crowning them. Neither tooth
showed any sign of decay on the x-rays.

At the time, I posted about this in this newsgroup and was advised by
a couple of practicing dentists that such a recommendation was extreme
and not to consider such a move.

I heeded the advice and prevailed on my dentist to give the bonding
agent another try. It worked and I experienced no sensitivity for
about two months.

Now, it appears that the bonding agent is again wearing off and I'm
getting sensitivity in that area.

My question: Is there no material or agent that is more durable than
the bonding agent presently used?

Or might there be another approach to resolving this problem without
resorting to extreme methods such as endodontia?

Gratefully,

Rob Marks

Rob wrote:
For more than five years I've experienced sensitivity to sweets near
the gum line of teeth number 22 and 23 lingual. I'm 70 years old.
Neither tooth is crowned or capped.

During those five years my dentist has kept me relatively pain-free by
applying bonding agent to protect the teeth where they are sensitive.

At times, the bonding agent will be effective for as long as six to
eight months before it wears off. Other times, only several weeks.
Then, it must be reapplied.

A few months ago, I was referred to an endodontist who had the latest
digital x-ray equipment. He looked at the two teeth in question and
said that if I wanted a permanent solution that I should consider
doing a root canal on the two teeth and crowning them. Neither tooth
showed any sign of decay on the x-rays.

At the time, I posted about this in this newsgroup and was advised by
a couple of practicing dentists that such a recommendation was extreme
and not to consider such a move.

I heeded the advice and prevailed on my dentist to give the bonding
agent another try. It worked and I experienced no sensitivity for
about two months.

Now, it appears that the bonding agent is again wearing off and I'm
getting sensitivity in that area.

My question: Is there no material or agent that is more durable than
the bonding agent presently used?

Or might there be another approach to resolving this problem without
resorting to extreme methods such as endodontia?

Gratefully,

Rob Marks


You should use a desensitizing toothpaste such as Sensodyne, Denquel or
Aquafresh Sensitive. Additional protection against sensitivity can be
obtained by your dentist applying 5% sodium fluoride varnish periodically.
Your problem is very common, and particularly on lower incisors with
exposed root surfaces.

Steve