Final answer:
Restorative materials like toothpastes with strontium chloride, potassium nitrate, arginine, and CSPS are effective for blocking dentinal tubules and reducing sensitivity. Dental amalgams, which are alloys, are also used to fill cavities and protect dentinal tubules. Good oral hygiene and fluoride use are key preventative measures against dentinal hypersensitivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
To alleviate dentinal hypersensitivity, various restorative materials are used to block dentinal tubules. One common approach includes toothpastes containing strontium chloride or potassium nitrate. Research has shown that toothpastes with arginine and calcium sodium phosphosilicate (CSPS) are effective, with some studies suggesting that combining these formulas can lead to superior results. In addition to these components, toothpaste may also contain remineralizers like hydroxyapatite nanocrystals and different forms of calcium phosphates to encourage the reformation of enamel, a process essential for restoring tooth functionality and reducing sensitivity.
Dental amalgams are another type of restorative material utilized by dentists for filling cavities. These are solid solutions, or alloys, comprised mainly of mercury and a powder blend that includes silver, tin, and copper. This gray substance adheres well to the structures of the tooth and seals off the exposed dentinal tubules.
Furthermore, maintaining good oral hygiene and using prophylactic treatments, such as toothpastes with fluoride, are crucial preventive measures. Fluoride reinforces tooth enamel by becoming part of its hydroxyapatite structure and serves as a bacteriostatic agent against microbial action. This, paired with regular tooth brushing and flossing, helps prevent the conditions leading to dentinal hypersensitivity.