Tooth Sensitivity Treatment
Diagnosis & Treatment
Charlotte Root Canal Center diagnoses and treats tooth sensitivity at 2809 Coltsgate Road, Suite 210, Charlotte, NC 28211. Dr. Rush Sunar, DMD identifies the underlying cause of your tooth sensitivity — which may include pulp inflammation, cracked teeth, receding gums, or exposed root surfaces — and provides targeted endodontic treatment. If sensitivity toothpaste and general dental treatments haven’t resolved your symptoms, an endodontic evaluation may find the answer. Call (704) 375-4252.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Pulpitis (pulp inflammation): The pulp inside the tooth becomes inflamed due to deep decay, a crack, or repeated dental procedures. Reversible pulpitis may resolve on its own. Irreversible pulpitis requires root canal therapy.
Cracked tooth: A crack can expose the dentin or pulp to temperature changes and biting pressure, causing sharp, intermittent pain. Cracks often go undetected and require specialized endodontic diagnosis.
Exposed root surfaces: Gum recession exposes the root, which is not protected by enamel. The exposed dentin contains microscopic tubules that transmit sensations directly to the nerve.
Recent dental work: Sensitivity after a new filling, crown, or other procedure is common. If it persists beyond 4 to 6 weeks, the pulp may be compromised.
Teeth grinding (bruxism): Chronic grinding wears down enamel and causes microfractures, both of which increase sensitivity.
When to See an Endodontist
See an endodontist if:
• Sensitivity lingers for more than a few seconds after the trigger is removed
• Pain occurs spontaneously without any trigger
• Sensitivity is isolated to one specific tooth
• Sensitivity toothpaste hasn’t helped after several weeks
• You experience sharp pain when biting down
• Sensitivity developed after a dental procedure and hasn’t resolved within 6 weeks
These patterns often indicate pulp involvement or a crack. Dr. Sunar uses specialized testing — including cold testing, electric pulp testing, and periapical radiographs — to determine the exact source.
Treatment Options
Observation: If the pulp is mildly inflamed but vital (reversible pulpitis), Dr. Sunar may recommend monitoring with follow-up visits.
Root canal therapy: If the pulp is irreversibly inflamed or infected, root canal treatment removes the source of pain and saves the tooth.
Cracked tooth treatment: If a crack is the cause, treatment ranges from a crown to root canal therapy depending on severity.
Referral back to general dentist: If the cause is non-endodontic (gum recession, enamel erosion), Dr. Sunar will refer you back with a clear diagnosis.
Related Services
Sensitivity caused by a crack? Learn about cracked teeth diagnosis and treatment.
Severe pain? We offer same-day emergency appointments.
View all our endodontic services.
Sensitivity Won’t Go Away?
An endodontic evaluation can identify the cause when other treatments haven’t worked.
Call (704) 375-4252