Management of sensitive dentin.

No panacea presently exists for dentinal sensitivity. Careful, systematic diagnosis and selection of treatment based on diagnostic findings provide a solution to most cases. Often in fact, cases require no treatment because spontaneous closure of dentinal tubules usually provides relief within several weeks. Simple dentinal sensitivity responds immediately to tubule closure induced by application of oxalates, creation of a smear layer, application of adhesives, and other local methods. Patients with sensitivity who do not respond may have pulpitis, a cracked tooth, or defective restorations involving the tooth that is believed to be sensitive or an unsuspected tooth that may be responding to stimuli. Pain referred from the source to another area is not uncommon. Long-term or chronic simple dentinal sensitivity may result from repeated acidic erosion, especially from dietary acids.