Tooth enamel is an important part of the composition of any tooth, but many people don’t even know what tooth enamel is. Tooth enamel surrounds the crown of every tooth, protecting the tooth from unwanted bacteria and other foreign substances that can injure the tooth. If your tooth enamel is damaged it will not grow back, so if the enamel is eroded it will be necessary to go into a dentist. We will examine how to repair tooth enamel, but first it is important to learn more about tooth enamel and tooth erosion.
Tooth enamel erosion is caused by foreign substances slowly eating away at the minerals that make up enamel. The main cause of erosion is acid, either coming from the food we eat or a number of other factors. Some other factors that can cause acid to build up in the mouth include acid reflux, gastrointestinal issues, dry mouth, certain medications, grinding your teeth, genetics, and low saliva production.
When your enamel starts to erode, their are several signs and symptoms. Here are a few of the most prominent signs of enamel erosion.
As stated above, the enamel will not rebuild itself naturally. If you have enamel erosion, a dentist must work to repair the enamel to protect your teeth from further damage. There are two primary methods to repair enamel, and your dentist will determine which method is best for you. The two tooth enamel repair methods are tooth bonding and tooth crowns.
If the amount of erosion in your enamel is relatively small, then bonding is a great treatment. Bonding is primarily a cosmetic procedure, applying resin that is the same tone as you tooth to cover any damage. The resin will harden and bond to the tooth, looking as if it is a part of your natural tooth.
If your enamel is significantly weakened by the gradual erosion over time, tooth bonding likely isn’t strong enough and you will have to get a crown. During a tooth crowning procedure, the existing tooth will be capped with an artificial tooth that will protect the eroded enamel and root of the tooth. A crown will allow you to eat and drink without any pain or sensitivity and will protect your tooth from future damage.
If you are struggling to eat and drink food because of tooth sensitivity, it could be eroding tooth enamel. If that is the case, University Dental in San Diego can help. We provide expert tooth enamel repair, providing patients in need either with tooth bonding or tooth crowns. If you are interested in learning more, contact University Dental today by calling (619) 582-4224.
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