Dentin Hypersensitivity
A sharp, transient dental pain arising from exposed dentine in response to thermal, osmotic, evaporative, or mechanical stimuli, not attributable to any other dental defect or pathology.
Full Definition
Dentin hypersensitivity occurs when dentinal tubules are exposed—often due to gingival recession, erosion, or abrasion—allowing fluid movement within the tubules in response to external stimuli (hydrodynamic theory). In endodontic contexts, it is diagnostically relevant as it must be differentiated from reversible pulpitis before treatment planning. The preferred British spelling is 'dentin' in North American literature and 'dentine' in British and Australian usage; editorial style should be consistent throughout a document. Editors should not confuse this condition with pulpal hypersensitivity or tooth sensitivity post-operatively following root canal treatment.
Usage
Usage note: Apply 'dentin' (US) or 'dentine' (UK/AU) consistently per house style; never mix within a single document.
In Context
- "Dentin hypersensitivity was ruled out before a diagnosis of reversible pulpitis was made." — Differential diagnosis note
- "The manuscript used 'dentine hypersensitivity' throughout, consistent with the journal's British English house style." — Copy-editing note