ACCREDITATION: 1 CE Credit Available

Abstract

Dentine hypersensitivity is an oral condition that is characterized by a transient pain typically in response to chemical, thermal or tactile stimuli that cannot be explained arising from another causative agent. It is generally accepted to be a diagnosis of exclusion but is a common clinical finding with estimates ranging from 2.8 to 98%. The wide range is probably explained by the variations in the assessment tools/methods used to diagnose dentine hypersensitivity. Several oral conditions may cause dental pain, such as untreated caries, a cracked tooth or marginal leakage around insufficient restorations, the diagnosis of dentin hypersensitivity can be very difficult. Dentine hypersensitivity treatment focuses on two approaches: occluding dentine tubules or blocking impulse transmission in dentinal nerves.

In this presentation, assessment of risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of dentine hypersensitivity will be explored.