Four Ways Your Dentist Can Restore Tooth Enamel After Whitening

If you are experiencing pain and sensitive teeth after home tooth whitening, you may be experiencing a loss of tooth enamel. Loss of tooth enamel can be caused by high levels of whitening solution, like peroxide, in the home solutions or strips. Your first instinct may be to discontinue the whitening process in order to stop the sensitivity. This may or may not work, but the good news is that your dentist can help if the pain does not stop. Here are four ways your dentist can restore tooth enamel after whitening and help reduce sensitivity and pain that you may be experiencing.

Fluoride Treatments

A fluoride treatment is one option the dentist may use to help you rebuild your enamel and cut down on sensitivity. The reason fluoride is important is because it provides remineralisation, which can build strength and protection against tooth enamel loss and decay.These treatments can be in the form of a paste, gel or rinse. There are some dentists who may mix the treatments to increase your fluoride intake and the amount that your teeth are exposed to. 

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a process that involves the dentist bonding a resin to your tooth to protect the tooth and the enamel. This is a step the dentist may take if fluoride treatments will not work and if the enamel is too difficult to rebuild or replace with non-surgical methods. Bonding is an in-office procedure and requires no drilling or pulling. It simply applies a resin barrier that will blend in with your other teeth.

Dental Crowns

Crowns are a step beyond bonding because instead of providing a resin barrier, they act as a prosthetic for the tooth. This is a step the dentist may take if your teeth are prone to fracture, have significant damage or have broken or chipped. You may be facing an issue of your teeth having significant enamel damage and becoming prone to fracturing if you have had prolonged exposure to home whitening treatments that have caused increasing sensitivity.  The time for this process may vary depending on several factors, including the number of teeth affected and any accompanying dental work, like extractions, that may be necessary.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a step that would be used if the damage to your tooth enamel is severe and if other issues, such as tooth decay, play into your dental evaluation. Dental implants require drilling and removal of the decaying or damaged tooth and root. The implants replace the root and give the appearance of a new and healthy tooth. These, like dental crowns, are considered a prosthetic tooth procedure.

The key thing to remember when you experience sensitivity and pain after tooth whitening is to discontinue the use of the home whitening solution and contact your dentist immediately. They can evaluate your teeth and help with any issues before they become severe enough to need crowns or implants. 

For more information, contact a company such as Martin Jest Dental Surgery.