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All You Need to Know About Repairing Tooth Enamel

Posted by Dr. Mark Mann

Oct 10, 2014 2:00:00 PM

6648531_s_repairing-tooth-enamelAre you suffering from tooth sensitivity? You should be looking at repairing tooth enamel, as that is one of the most common causes of sensitivity. The enamel is the outer layer of the tooth. It is a tough layer of the tooth that protects it when you grind, crunch or chew. It also protects your tooth from hot and cold and chemicals.

While the enamel is quite hard, it can get chipped or broken. Once the enamel is broken, it stays that way, as it has no living cells like your bone and hence, cannot repair itself. You would have to visit a dentist to get the enamel repaired. Furthermore, there are certain other factors that can lead to enamel erosion.

Causes of Enamel Erosion

If there are acids present in your mouth, it can erode the enamel of your teeth. Here are some of the causes that can result in enamel erosion.

  • Dry mouth, medically known as xerostomia
  • Acidic fruit drinks
  • Soft drinks due to their high content of phosphoric acid and citric acid
  • Diet rich in sugar and starch
  • Gastrointestinal diseases and problems
  • Acid reflux (GERD)
  • Stress
  • Wear and tear
  • Friction
  • Certain medications, such as antihistamine and aspirin
  • Genetics

Signs and Symptoms of Enamel Problems

Thankfully, there are numerous signs that tell you need to visit a dentist. However, the symptoms can vary based on how severe the erosion is. Some of the signs are as follows:

  • Tooth Sensitivity: Certain foods, such as sweet foods, and hot and cold foods can result in pain during the initial stages of enamel erosion.
  • Discoloration of Teeth: If your enamel keeps eroding, it will expose the dentin. This will cause your teeth to appear yellow.
  • Chips and Cracks in the Teeth: As your enamel erodes, your teeth will develop jagged and rough edges. Also, the edges will be irregular.
  • Cupping: If you notice indentations on the surface of your teeth, you can be certain your enamel has worn off.
  • Severe and Painful Tooth Sensitivity: As the enamel erosion progresses, you will have severe tooth sensitivity. In fact, the sensitivity will be so severe that you will find it very painful when your teeth are exposed to hot, cold and sweet foods. The pain will simply take your breath away.

Repairing tooth enamel is a must and should not be neglected. As the enamel erodes, your teeth will become more prone to cavities. Initially, when cavities develop, you will not have a problem. However, as the cavities grow bigger and penetrate deeper into your teeth, it will reach the nerves and pulp of the teeth, leading to severe pain and abscess.

Repairing Tooth Enamel

If your enamel has worn off, you should make it a point to visit the dentist. Actually, if you go for regular dental checkups, the dentist will be able to spot the erosion and take remedial measures. This said, enamel erosion does not require treatment always. The treatment often is customized to suit the needs of the patient and extent of the erosion.

Some the treatments that dentists use are as follows:

  • Tooth Bonding: Dentists may apply tooth-colored resin to the damaged surface of the tooth to protect it and improve its appearance
  • Dental Veneers: If the erosion is bad, the surface of the tooth will be fitted with a dental veneer made from porcelain. This will prevent further erosion and also improve the appearance of the tooth.
  • Dental Crowns: If enamel has worn off completely and the tooth is decayed, the dentist may recommend capping the affected tooth with a crown. The crown will be fitted after the cavity is filled and the tooth prepped.

The cost of repairing tooth enamel depends on the kind of treatment you need. That is why you should consult your dentist and discuss all treatment options before making a final decision. Remember, a good and reliable dentist will offer the best solution.

 

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