CHICAGO, IL -- (Marketwire) -- 01/17/13 -- Dr. Steven Flicker, a Chicago dentist at Dental Implant Associates, consistently has patients visiting the office who experience tooth sensitivity. Many of these patients do not know the cause of this sensitivity -- only that the sensation is uncomfortable and they want relief. Dr. Flicker strives to educate patients about the causes of tooth sensitivity as well as available solutions.

Dr. Flicker highlights many of the common causes for tooth sensitivity:

• Overly aggressive brushing
• Tooth decay near the gum line
• Gum recession
• Gum disease
• Teeth grinding
• Age-related tooth wear
• Cracked or broken teeth
  

Young, healthy teeth are protected by a layer of enamel. Since there are no nerves in tooth enamel, Dr. Flicker says patients with strong enamel covering the entire tooth do not experience tooth sensitivity. However, once this layer of enamel becomes compromised, the dentin of the tooth is exposed. There are nerve clusters found in the dentin that can cause a patient to experience soreness or sharp pain when those nerves are unprotected. The team of professionals at Dental Implant Associates is able to provide Chicago dentistry patients with options for protecting exposed dentin.

According to Dr. Flicker, there are basic steps a patient can take to reduce tooth sensitivity:

• Use a toothbrush with soft bristles
• Maintain good overall dental hygiene
• Use a desensitizing toothpaste
• Apply topical fluoride
• Visit a dentist twice a year for general check-ups
  

If these at-home solutions do not solve a patient's tooth sensitivity, Dr. Flicker recommends visiting a dentist to investigate alternative solutions. In severe tooth sensitivity cases, a tooth may need a filling or a bond. Dr. Flicker says he can also provide patients with a more concentrated form of fluoride that is available over the counter. However, as patients age, their enamel grows thinner and root exposure is more likely, which means tooth sensitivity is often an inevitable and must be addressed with the methods listed above.

Regardless of the severity of the tooth sensitivity, Dr. Flicker encourages patients to begin with home remedies before considering dental work. While temperature sensitivity is a minor form of tooth sensitivity that results from the natural aging process and normal wear, a patient experiencing major sensitivity and pain is advised to consult with an experienced dentist to resolve the issue.

About Steven Flicker, DDS
Dr. Steven Flicker is a graduate of the University of Illinois, where he earned his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Science degrees. He is extensively trained in a variety of procedures designed to give patients beautiful smiles, including teeth whitening, dental bonding and porcelain veneers. Dr. Flicker has received several awards from the Chicago Dental Society and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He is available for interview upon request.

About Dental Implant Associates
Dental Implant Associates specializes in helping patients maintain the health and appearance of their smiles through the latest cosmetic, general, and implant dentistry procedures. Their cosmetic and implant dentists all originate from the Chicago area and are active members of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Both offices feature on-site laboratories and a highly trained staff to perform every stage of restorative or implant dentistry treatments on location.

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