Teeth whitening is the most common cosmetic dentistry procedure that people seek to remove stains and enjoy a bright smile. A single teeth whitening session from our dentist in San Jose can make your teeth whiter by several shades. However, there is one reason that stops many people from achieving a bright smile, which is the fear of tooth sensitivity.
Keep reading to learn why teeth sensitivity after whitening treatment occurs, how long it lasts, and how to minimize or manage the discomfort.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth After Whitening?
To understand why the sensitivity occurs, it’s important to learn how the treatment works. To whiten your teeth, your dentist will apply a whitening agent to your teeth. As this solution goes deeper into the layers of your tooth structure, it penetrates through the enamel layers and into the next dentin layer of your tooth. Since the dentist is porous, and during the teeth whitening, the bleaching solution can irritate the nerves inside. If you experience tooth sensitivity after using OTC whitening products, it can be because of their abrasive or acidic nature that erodes the tooth enamel and irritates the enamel.
We Use A Tooth Desensitizer After Treatment
When you visit our dental office in San Jose for a teeth whitening treatment, we’ll apply a desensitizer on the teeth. This solution will minimize the sensitivity that you may experience on the first-day post-treatment, and that is when the discomfort is worst. This is the biggest benefit of getting a professional teeth whitening treatment from your dentist rather than using whitening products bought from stores.
How Long Does Teeth Sensitivity Last After Whitening?
Teeth sensitivity after having your teeth whitened at home or in-office can last just for a few hours, typically 24 to 48 hours. How long the sensitivity persists will depend on your treatment type and the condition of your mouth.
It can be difficult for your dentist to tell the exact time length of sensitivity; your current oral conditions and history of sensitivity can help them determine if you’ll experience discomfort after teeth whitening treatment or not. However, if the sensitivity stays for longer than two days, contact your dentist in San Jose, CA, to discuss the potential remedies. Most of the time, sensitivity due to whitening will subside within a week or so.
How To Reduce The Sensitivity?
Here are a few things you can do to minimize the likelihood of experiencing sharp pain or sensitivity after teeth whitening. Make adjustments to your diet. Avoid acidic foods and drinks for some days. Very hot or cold beverages or food time can also be troublesome, so it’s better to avoid them too. Use toothpaste designed especially for sensitive teeth. When using store-bought whitening products, make your selection wisely. You can consult your dentist to find the product that will best suit your teeth and mouth. Professional teeth whitening is a slightly expensive option but the best one in terms of results and side effects.
Schedule a Professional Teeth Whitening Appointment
The team of professionals at AT Dental care is ready to treat and educate patients on the ways they can achieve a cleaner, brighter and whiter smile. If you’re looking for professional teeth whitening treatment in San Jose, CA, contact our office today by calling (408) 579-9931, or request an appointment online. We are located at 1906 Aborn Rd, San Jose, CA 95121.
