Written & reviewed by Dr. Soujanya Maddipati, DDS, MPH · Texas State Board of Dental Examiners · Medicaid Provider · Last reviewed 2026 · General information only — not a substitute for professional evaluation.
Seeing patients today.  Sensitivity is more common than many patients realise. An examination helps identify what's causing it.
Tooth Sensitivity · Houston TX · Se habla español

That Sharp Pain When You Eat or Drink
Has a Cause. One That's Worth Examining.

Sensitivity to cold, heat, sweets, or pressure isn't something you have to live with. Most cases have a clear diagnosis — and a clear next step.

832-779-5522

Tell us when the sensitivity started and what triggers it.

Mon 9am–5pm (Front Office)Tue 9am–6pmWed 9am–6pmFri 9am–6pmSat by appt

Why Teeth Become Sensitive

Tooth sensitivity happens when the inner layer of the tooth — dentin — becomes exposed. Dentin contains tiny channels that connect to the nerve, so when it's exposed to temperature changes, sweet foods, or pressure, the nerve responds with that familiar sharp, brief pain.

The most common reasons dentin gets exposed: enamel erosion from acidic foods or drinks, gum recession exposing the root surface, a cracked tooth, a worn filling, or early-stage tooth decay. Brushing too hard is also a surprisingly common cause — the bristles slowly wear away enamel and gum tissue over time.

What's important to know: sensitivity doesn't usually go away on its own. The underlying cause tends to progress if left unexamined. Desensitising toothpaste can mask the sensation temporarily, but it doesn't address what's creating it.

Dr. Maddipati looks carefully at the whole picture — enamel condition, gum levels, bite forces — before recommending anything. The goal is to find the actual cause and address it, not just cover the symptom.

When to Call Us

  • Pain that lingers more than a few seconds after the trigger
  • Sensitivity that has gotten noticeably worse over weeks
  • Sharp pain when biting down
  • Sensitivity only on one tooth (not generalised)
Note: If you have sensitivity along with swelling, fever, or spontaneous pain (no trigger needed), that's a different situation — call us the same day.

The Right Diagnosis Matters More Than the Right Toothpaste.

Sensitivity is one of the most commonly self-treated dental symptoms — and one of the most commonly undertreated ones. A clear examination tells you what's actually happening.

Dr. Soujanya
Maddipati
DDS, MPH

She learned public health before she learned dentistry.

Dr. Maddipati completed her dental training at the University of Colorado Denver and has seen the full spectrum of sensitivity causes — from simple enamel wear to cracked teeth masquerading as general sensitivity. She doesn't recommend treatment until she's confident she's identified the actual source.

That's why Medicaid is accepted here — genuinely, for every patient. That's why the staff speaks Spanish. That's why Dr. Maddipati personally sees every patient, every visit. No rotating associates.

DDS — Univ. of Colorado Denver MPH — Univ. of Oklahoma Texas Licensed Medicaid Provider Bilingual EN/ES

What Your Sensitivity Appointment Looks Like

1

You describe what triggers it

Cold, heat, sweets, pressure, or all of the above — the pattern helps narrow the cause before any instruments are picked up.

2

A careful clinical examination

Dr. Maddipati checks enamel thickness, gum levels, any cracks or worn restorations, and bite forces. X-rays if the clinical picture calls for it.

3

A clear explanation before anything starts

She tells you what she's found, what's likely causing the sensitivity, and what the treatment options are — including doing nothing if that's genuinely appropriate.

4

A clear explanation of findings and what comes next

Dr. Maddipati explains what she has found and what the next step looks like — including any factors worth monitoring. Nothing begins before you have a clear picture.

What Patients Say

 5-Star Google

"Dr. Maddipati and her Team are awesome! They have services for the whole family! Thank you for a great experience! See you in 6 months."

Google Reviewer · Houston, TX

"This is a great place! They are super friendly! My kids love it here and are seen right away. Highly recommend for families in North Houston!"

Google Reviewer · North Houston, TX

Reviews reflect thematic patient experiences. Individual outcomes vary.

Insurance & Coverage

We verify your coverage before your visit.

Government Coverage (Medicaid & Medicare Advantage)

We accept Texas Medicaid (STAR), CHIP for children, and Medicare Advantage dental. Coverage verified before your visit.

PPO & Private Plans

Most PPO plans cover related exams and X-rays. We verify your specific plan benefits before your appointment.

Accepted: Aetna · Delta Dental · Cigna · MetLife · Guardian · Humana · United Healthcare · Texas Medicaid · CHIP · Medicare Advantage

Coverage varies by plan. We verify your individual benefits before your appointment.

Call to Verify Your Coverage — 832-779-5522

Common Questions

General information only. When in doubt about severity, seek care promptly.
Not necessarily. Sensitivity has several possible causes — enamel erosion, gum recession, a cracked tooth, and worn fillings can all cause it without any active decay. That said, a cavity can cause sensitivity too, so it's worth having the tooth examined to know for certain.
Yes, temporarily. Whitening products open dentinal tubules and can increase sensitivity for a period after use. If you already have sensitive teeth, it is worth discussing whitening with Dr. Maddipati before starting any whitening.
It depends entirely on the cause. If it's from a recent dental procedure, temporary sensitivity often improves as the area heals. If it's from enamel erosion, gum recession, or a crack, it won't resolve on its own and will likely worsen over time. The only way to know which category you're in is to have it examined.
We accept Texas Medicaid (STAR) for adults and CHIP for children. An examination to diagnose the cause of sensitivity is a covered preventive service under most Medicaid plans. We verify your specific coverage before your visit. Call 832-779-5522 and we'll check your plan.

When You Notice Sensitivity,
It's Worth Having It Examined.

An examination helps identify what is causing it and what the next step looks like.

832-779-5522
Mi Smile Family Dental

Reviewed & Provided By

Dr. Soujanya Maddipati, DDS, MPH

Owner · Mi Smile Family Dental · Texas-Licensed DDS · Medicaid Provider · Last reviewed 2026. General information only — not a substitute for professional evaluation.