Managing Dentinal Hypersensitivity During Treatment
Reduce chairside hypersensitivity with desensitizing agents, technique adjustment, and patient-centered communication.
Understanding the Mechanism
Dentinal hypersensitivity arises from fluid movement in open dentinal tubules that stimulates the pulp. Both chemical and mechanical approaches can reduce that fluid movement.
Chairside Interventions
- Apply a desensitizing agent or fluoride varnish to exposed cervical surfaces.
- Reduce ultrasonic power and water temperature to decrease thermal stimulus.
- Schedule scaling in short segments with rest breaks for the patient.
Home-Care Coaching
Recommend a desensitizing dentifrice and gentle technique. Document which agents were applied so the next visit continues the plan rather than restarting it.
Practical Takeaway
Combine chairside desensitizing agents with adjusted ultrasonic technique and home-care coaching to manage hypersensitivity across visits.
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