Managing sensitivity

Fwigures suggest that up to 69 per cent of the population will experience sensitivity at some time, while for patients with periodontal disease and/or its treatment that figure rises to 98 per cent.

Sometimes a patient will report sensitivity without prompting, but there may well be many patients suffering in silence. As many as 91 per cent of sufferers have reported that they think sensitivity is a normal part of everyday life.Because of this clinicians may want to consider adding some questions to their usual list of important topics to be discussed during check-ups and treatment appointments, to encourage patients to share information about any such discomfort.

Published material suggests: “To obtain a conclusive diagnosis of DH [dentine hypersensitivity], first carefully evaluate, investigate and compare among the other teeth, in order to eliminate other possible causes of pain, which could lead to confusion. A good clinical history is essential and questions asked by the professional may help to collect important information that will help in treatment.”