General dentistry
Sensitive teeth: diagnosis and treatment in Valleyfield and Vaudreuil-Dorion
Tooth sensitivity is a short, sharp pain triggered by cold, heat, sweets, acids or touch, caused by exposed dentin: receding gums, worn enamel, a cavity, a cracked tooth, a leaking filling or grinding. Treatment addresses the cause and seals the exposed dentin, from fluoride varnish to a gum graft.
At a glance
| Exam duration | 30 minutes |
| Simple treatments | Fluoride varnish, desensitizing toothpaste, advice |
| Lasting treatments | Composite at the gumline, gum graft, night guard |
| Improvement | A few days to a few weeks |
| Warning sign | Pain that lingers after the stimulus or occurs spontaneously |
Offered in Valleyfield and Vaudreuil-Dorion, 7 days a week in Valleyfield and Monday to Friday in Vaudreuil-Dorion. Phone: 514-533-3368.
Sensitive teeth: what you need to know
Dentin, the layer under the enamel, contains thousands of tiny tubules that lead to the nerve. When it is exposed, by receding gums, worn or eroded enamel, a cavity or a crack, cold water or a breath of air reaches the nerve and causes that familiar sharp jolt. Sensitivity is common and treatable, but it can also be the first sign of a problem that needs attention.
At Go Dentiste, the exam identifies the cause of your sensitivity: a cavity is filled, a cracked tooth is protected, an exposed root is sealed with varnish or composite, receding gums can be grafted and grinding is managed with a night guard. Our dentists in Valleyfield and Vaudreuil-Dorion start with the simplest solution and step up only when needed.
Common causes of sensitivity
- Receding gums that expose the root surface
- Enamel worn by aggressive brushing, acidic foods and drinks or acid reflux
- A cavity or a filling that is worn, cracked or leaking
- Grinding or clenching that flexes the teeth and creates notches at the gumline
- A cracked tooth (sharp pain when biting)
- Recent whitening, a new filling or a cleaning (temporary)
How the treatment works, step by step
1. Questionnaire
The dentist asks what triggers the pain, how long it lasts and how many teeth are involved.
2. Exam and tests
Cold, air, bite and percussion tests, plus X-rays if needed, locate the cause and rule out an inflamed nerve.
3. Treating the cause
A cavity is filled, a cracked tooth is protected, brushing technique and diet are corrected.
4. In-office desensitizing
A fluoride varnish or a desensitizing agent is applied to the exposed dentin to seal the tubules.
5. Restoring the gumline
Notches and exposed roots are covered with a tooth-coloured composite when the sensitivity persists.
6. Gum graft
For significant recession, a graft covers the root and thickens the gum for a durable result.
Benefits
- Relief from the daily discomfort of cold and sweets
- The cause is treated, not just the symptom
- Simple, quick options first; grafts only when needed
- Protects the exposed root from decay and wear
- Rules out a more serious problem such as a crack or an inflamed nerve
After the treatment: advice
- Use a soft toothbrush and gentle circular strokes; do not scrub horizontally
- Brush with a desensitizing fluoride toothpaste twice a day and do not rinse with water afterwards
- Limit acidic foods and drinks (citrus, soft drinks, sports drinks) and wait 30 minutes before brushing after them
- Wear your night guard if grinding was identified
- Come back if the sensitivity worsens or turns into lingering pain
Alternatives and options
Desensitizing toothpastes with potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride are the first line and work for many patients within a few weeks. Fluoride varnish at the clinic seals the dentin for several months. When these are not enough, bonding at the gumline, a gum graft or, for a cracked or heavily worn tooth, a crown provides lasting relief. Sensitivity from an inflamed nerve requires a root canal.
Sensitive teeth in Valleyfield and Vaudreuil-Dorion
Go Dentiste Valleyfield
Address:
785 Monseigneur-Langlois Boulevard
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec J6S 0B1
Opening hours
| MondayMon | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
|---|---|
| TuesdayTue | 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
| WednesdayWed | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| ThursdayThu | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| FridayFri | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. |
| SaturdaySat | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. |
| SundaySun | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. |
Phone: 514-533-3368
Go Dentiste Vaudreuil-Dorion
Address:
275 Harwood Boulevard
Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec J7V 1Y3
Opening hours
| MondayMon | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
|---|---|
| TuesdayTue | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| WednesdayWed | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| ThursdayThu | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| FridayFri | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| SaturdaySat | Closed |
| SundaySun | Closed |
Phone: 514-533-3368
Frequently asked questions about tooth sensitivity
Why are my teeth sensitive to cold?
Cold reaches the nerve through exposed dentin, usually at the gumline where the gums have receded or the enamel is worn, or through a cavity or a crack. The exam finds the cause so it can be treated.
Do sensitivity toothpastes work?
Yes, for many patients, after two to four weeks of twice-daily use. They block the tubules in the dentin. If there is no improvement, an in-office treatment is the next step.
Sensitivity or a cavity: how can I tell?
Sensitivity from exposed dentin is brief and stops when the stimulus is removed. A cavity often hurts with sweets and gets worse over time. Only an exam and an X-ray can tell for sure.
My tooth has been sensitive since a filling: is that normal?
Mild sensitivity to cold or pressure for a few days to a few weeks after a filling is common, especially after a deep one. If it increases or lasts longer, come in: the bite may need adjusting.
Does whitening cause sensitivity?
It can, temporarily, during and shortly after treatment. A desensitizing gel and shorter sessions keep it manageable, and it disappears within days.
Can sensitivity be cured permanently?
Often, yes, when the cause is corrected: a filling, a night guard, a composite at the gumline or a gum graft give lasting results. Sensitivity from thin enamel may need periodic varnish applications.
Related treatments
- Gum graft
- Dental bonding (composite restoration)
- Night guard (bruxism)
- Gum disease treatment (gingivitis and periodontitis)
- Dental fillings
See also: General dentistry · All our dental services · Emergency dentist
Book an appointment in Valleyfield or Vaudreuil-Dorion
New patients welcome, same-day emergencies. One phone number for both clinics.
Content prepared by the Go Dentiste team (Dr Dominic Morel-Maynard, general dentist and owner). Last updated: September 25, 2026. General information for guidance only: only an in-clinic exam can establish a diagnosis and a treatment plan suited to your situation.