Published September 2026

1 of 5This treats teeth that sting with cold, sweet or touch
  1. This treats teeth that sting with cold, sweet or touch
  2. An exposed root near the gum line is often the spot
  3. A varnish or gel is brushed on, sealing the tiny channels that carry the shock
  4. It's quick and painless, no numbing needed
  5. The effect fades with time, so it is often repeated at cleaning visits

Who usually does it

hygienist. Done in the general office.

One question worth asking

Is this coming from the tooth surface, or is something else behind it?

Desensitizing resin on a root

Cleanings and gum careNot usually coveredD9911

D9911. A thin resin bonded onto one exposed root, longer lasting than the painted medicine.

A desensitizing medicine or resin is applied to teeth or exposed roots that sting with cold, sweet or touch. Quick, painless, and often done at a cleaning visit.

A varnish, gel or thin resin is wiped onto the sensitive area, usually an exposed root near the gum line, and it seals the tiny channels that carry a cold shock into the tooth. It takes a couple of minutes and needs no numbing. The effect fades, so it is often repeated at cleaning visits. Most plans do not pay for this, so ask the office for the fee.

Desensitizing resin on a root (D9911): what happens, step by step | TruthMolar