Dentine hypersensitivity: real or imagined

Abstract

Background: Dentine hypersensitivity is a common presentation of cause of pain and or discomfort with mastication which has been shown to affect the quality of life of the affected individual. It is also a common cause of presentation at the dental clinics. However, the cause, diagnosis and possible management to give relief can be a dilemma for the clinician who at times may wonder if the sensation the individual is presenting with, is real or imagined.

Aim: The purpose of this paper was to review dentine hypersensitivity in view of causes, diagnosis and management.

Methodology: Articles used were found by searching the key words: dentine hypersensitivity, tooth wear lesions, desensitization, gingival recession, treatment of hypersensitivity.

Result: There are a variety of causes of dentine hypersensitivity with a variety of ways to manage and provide adequate treatment, but the condition must be well understood.

Conclusion: Many options of treatment are now available to eliminate the pain from dentine hypersensitivity and thus improving the quality of life of these patients because the sensitivity they experience is real.

Keywords: dentine, hypersensitivity, tooth wear, desensitization, quality of life