Causes, Duration, and Treatments for Tooth Sensitivity After Veneers

Millions of people worldwide opt for veneers yearly. Veneers are one of the most common forms of tooth restoration. While most people talk about how their veneers make them more self-confident and they smile more than ever, seldom do they talk about the causes, duration, and treatments for tooth sensitivity after veneers.

🦷 Prepping Veneers Can Start Tooth Sensitivity

To understand why you have tooth sensitivity after veneers, let’s look at how the teeth are prepped for the procedure.

To prep a tooth for a veneer, a small amount of enamel is removed, which exposes dentin. The dentin consists of minuscule, pipelike tubes connected to the tooth’s nerves. The enamel is removed so the veneer can bond naturally with the tooth, and the veneer won’t stick out further than your natural teeth. As the veneer binds to the tooth, the sensitivity after veneers gradually improves. While this sensitivity should be temporary, it may last longer for some individuals.

After veneers, your bite is different. Your alignment may feel off, or your teeth may feel quite sensitive. This should get better each day; if it doesn’t, contact your dental professional.

🤔 What Causes Sensitivity After Veneers?

Short-term sensitivity is caused by several things: bonding products and the device used to cure the veneer material. But other issues can also cause sensitivity.

1. Acidic gel is used to prep the tooth’s surface by creating small holes in the teeth that the veneer can use to hold onto the tooth. Unfortunately, the exposed dentin becomes sensitive and reacts to hot and cold items.
2. Gums that become irritated by the bonding material, pressure applied to veneers while being attached, and temporary veneers can be very sensitive. The majority of discomfort and inflammation is at the gumline.
3. Light used to harden veneers in the “Light curing process” can inflame the tooth’s pulp and create sensitivity to heat and cold. The light curing is the main reason for sensitivity after veneers.
4. Bruxism or clenching your teeth puts extreme pressure on the teeth and their veneers. These issues can also create veneer failure. If you have not seen a dentist for these conditions, you should do so before the veneers are cracked or chipped and the pain increases. There are dental appliances that can remove the pressure and save your veneers from damage. Luckily, as the inflammation disappears, so does the sensitivity!

In long-term sensitivity, the cause is a poorly placed veneer or an excess of veneer material that wasn’t removed. This overhang is a great spot for tooth decay and gum disease. The pain and sensitivity from this are not normal and need to be addressed as soon as possible.

There are also a couple of side effects after veneers are attached that may surprise you.

1. Temporary speech challenges as your mouth and brain get used to the size of the veneers and the space they occupy.
2. Increase in saliva as your mouth gets used to the veneers, especially as you talk.

🦷 Other Factors to Consider to Avoid Sensitivity After Veneers

• Overall Dental Health: The condition of your teeth before getting veneers indicates the sensitivity you may experience. Teeth with large fillings, especially if they are close to the nerves, can be more sensitive than healthier teeth. If you had sensitive teeth before getting veneers, it is a good assumption that you will have sensitivity following veneers.
• The dentist’s Experience: Technique is everything when applying veneers. If too much enamel is removed or your mouth is not kept dry enough for the bonding material to dry. This will affect your sensitivity. Before you leave the office, make sure to check your bite and have the dental professional ensure it is correct and will not apply undue pressure on your veneers.
• Tooth Prep and veneer thickness: To minimize sensitivity, consider an Ultra-thin veneer. These veneers require less prep and enamel removal.

🛑 Minimizing Sensitivity After Veneers

Aftercare is essential once your veneers are applied. Despite the causes of sensitivity, taking extra care of your teeth can reduce sensitivity.

• Avoid hard to chew foods that put extra pressure on your teeth, such as hard candy, corn on the cob, and nuts.
• Stay away from acidic food and drinks, any vinegar-based foods, or beverages that will leave stains.
• If your teeth that are sensitive to hot/cold beverages, drink only those at room temperature to avoid sensitivity.
• Steer clear of really sweet and spicy foods that can increase gum and tooth irritation.
• Do not chew on fingernails, pens, pencils, or any other non-food items.
• If you clench your jaw or grind your teeth, get a mouthguard.
• Use a brush with softer bristles and toothpaste for sensitive teeth after meals and before bed. If you are not sure what will work best, ask your dentist!
• Use a mouth rinse of 1 cup of warm water to one teaspoon of salt. Use this rinse three times a day to keep swelling and sensitivity to a minimum.
• If you do have pain, take the recommended dose of Motrin or Tylenol for pain management.
• Follow ALL aftercare instructions from the dentist.

📞 At What Point Should I Contact My Dentist?

• If you have persistent sensitivity after the first two weeks
• Your bite doesn’t feel right or causes pain
• Gapping at the veneer margin accompanied by sore gums
• Discomfort when eating/drinking hot/cold food and drink
• Nerve pain or throbbing beneath a veneer
• A toothache under a veneer

As soon as you notice any of the above symptoms, contact your dentist for an appointment.

🩺 Treatment Options for Persistent Sensitivity After Veneers

🔄 Veneer Replacement

There are times when replacing the veneers is the best option to stop the sensitivity. This is a last resort after other treatments have failed to help.

🦷 Fixing the Bite

Reducing tooth pressure by adjusting the bite can help reduce sensitivity.

✨ Rebonding and Edging Adjustments

Any air or other irritants that touch the natural teeth can cause sensitivity. Fixing edges that are not flush or revising the bonding will help eliminate further sensitivity.

🦷 Additional Dental Work

In severe cases where the nerve continues to hurt, the gums remain inflamed, or dentin exposure exists, gum treatments and root canals may be the only answer.

Our dental professionals at the Shtern Dental Clinic, located in Cancun, Mexico, offer high-quality dental care, including dental veneers. Our soothing office space and rooms, designed to decrease anxiety, provide a unique and calming dental experience.

If you will be in Cancun, are looking for a dental destination, or have been recommended by one of our satisfied dental clients, contact us for a virtual consultation today!

🔗 Sources

• https://www.elsevier.com/es-es
• https://www.healthline.com/
• https://www.webmd.com/