Signs That You Do Not Have Enough Enamel on Your Teeth
The enamel on your teeth is the tough outer layer of material that protects the tooth from wearing out during the chewing and grinding involved with eating. It also serves as a protective barrier, keeping harmful bacteria from attacking the soft dentin underneath.
However, sometimes you may not have enough enamel on your teeth, which can lead to problems in the long run. Here are some things to look for which may indicate a problem with your enamel levels.
Small Pits or Holes in the Surface of the Tooth
Enamel hypoplasia is a condition in which the enamel on your teeth is underdeveloped-or even missing completely. A common sign of this condition is small pits in the surface of the tooth.
Other signs that the enamel may be too thin or hypomineralized include discoloration of the tooth, or sensitivity to heat and cold.
What Can You Do About Enamel Problems?
Regardless of how they came to exist, if you have low levels of enamel (or enamel that is not as strong as it should be) there are a few things you can do to help keep your teeth healthy.
A popular treatment is sealing the teeth. If you come see us for this procedure, we will apply special sealants to the surface of your teeth. These sealants can help take the place of the enamel and bolster the strength of the tooth.
Another treatment option is bonding agents. We can apply these agents in areas where the enamel is particularly troublesome, adding strength and durability to the tooth.
Finally, if your enamel is too weak (or is missing) on the chewing surface of your tooth, you may wish to have us put in a crown. A crown will fit over the chewing surface, and will provide the strength and stability of a natural tooth.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at (903) 231-6605 today.