Treatment of Tooth Enamel Erosion

Tooth enamel erosion is a pathology that not only spoils the aesthetics of a smile but also leads to the destruction of teeth. The condition arises from injuries, severe mechanical damage, inflammatory processes in the oral cavity. To prevent the development of the disease and avoid costly treatments, it is important to consult specialists in a timely manner. At ID Dent dental clinic, we offer modern methods of treating tooth enamel erosion and ensure you can achieve your dream smile!

Causes of tooth enamel erosion

Tooth enamel erosion is a process where the hard tissues of the tooth are destroyed. Some people are more susceptible to developing this problem due to certain factors.

Tooth hard tissue erosion can occur due to mechanical factors, excessive stress on the enamel, endocrine system pathologies (including toxic goiter). The main causes of erosion are:

• excessive consumption of acidic drinks and food;
• uncontrolled intake of certain medications, overuse of vitamin C preparations;
• working in harsh conditions, at harmful enterprises;
• vomiting, high stomach acidity, and some other gastrointestinal diseases (gastritis, ulcers);
• frequent oral inflammations, neglect of proper dental care, and regular dentist visits.

Main symptoms of tooth erosion

At first glance, enamel erosion on teeth is not noticeable. In the early stages of the pathology, any negative symptoms are absent. Later, when the disease progresses, there are:

• sensitivity to hot, cold, acidic;
• appearance of thin, transparent areas on the teeth;
• change in the shape or color of the teeth;
• spots on the teeth.

Degrees of tooth erosion

There are three main stages of erosion:

1. Initial — superficial enamel damage. At this stage, the patient does not experience any discomfort, and the loss of shade and gloss of the teeth is not noticeable to the naked eye.
2. Medium — dentin damage, the inner part of the tooth. The spots on the enamel become more noticeable. Sensitivity to cold, hot, and acidic foods appears.
3. Severe — deep defects reaching the pulp of the tooth. Spots and discoloration are visible on the remaining enamel.

Depending on the progression, erosion of the enamel of back teeth can be active or stable. In active progression, symptoms appear sharply, so it’s necessary to consult a dentist as soon as possible. The stable phase is characterized by a slow progression, gradually joining unpleasant symptoms — pain, discomfort, changes in the appearance of enamel. Regardless of the stage, progression, and other factors, timely treatment of enamel erosion in Kyiv is very important.

Risk group

Currently, all the causes of enamel erosion are unknown. However, people who frequently consume acidic products, suffer from gastrointestinal diseases, and people with impaired salivation are at risk. Other risk factors are:

• endocrine system diseases;
• residents in regions with poor environmental conditions;
• age over 55 years.

If you are in one of the listed risk groups, it is recommended to regularly consult a dentist and follow their recommendations for oral care.

Why you shouldn’t ignore the problem

Regardless of whether front or back teeth are affected, erosion of hard tooth tissues can lead to tooth loss, the appearance of caries or pulpitis, as well as significantly worsen the quality of life. Mouth enamel erosion is not only an aesthetic problem but also a medical one. Ignoring such a state means overlooking potential dangers to the health of your teeth and the body as a whole. Possible consequences of this problem:

• Increased sensitivity. Erosion can expose the dentin — the inner layer of the tooth, leading to increased sensitivity to hot, cold, acidic, or sweet. This can make eating and drinking painful.
• Increased risk of caries. Exposed dentin is more susceptible to destruction than enamel. This can lead to rapid caries development.
• Aesthetic problems. Erosion can change the shape and color of your teeth, making them less attractive.
• Loss of hard tooth tissue. If the problem is not treated, significant destruction of hard tooth tissue may occur, requiring complex treatment or even tooth extraction.

Moreover, eroded teeth can pose difficulties during certain dental procedures, such as braces or veneers placement.

How tooth enamel erosion is diagnosed

Diagnosis of tooth enamel erosion is an important step that allows detecting the problem at an early stage and starting timely treatment. Visual examination, radiography, and other methods are used for diagnosis.

The first step is a detailed examination of the oral cavity by a dentist. Erosion may appear as whitish, matte, or transparent areas on the tooth enamel. The pathology is often accompanied by increased tooth sensitivity. The doctor may use cold air or special reagents to test the reaction of teeth.

Subsequently, radiographic diagnostics are carried out. The images allow assessing the internal state of the tooth, including the dentin and root, as well as identifying the initial stages of caries that may develop due to erosion.

Additionally, during the diagnosis, it is important to learn about the patient’s dietary habits, general health condition, presence of diseases, and medications he or she is taking, as this can help determine the causes of erosion.

Treatment of tooth enamel erosion in dentistry

The treatment method for tooth enamel erosion depends on the stage of the disease. In the early stages, professional hygiene and the use of specialized means may be sufficient. In more severe cases, fillings, crowns, or veneers may be required.

Consider the methods of treating enamel erosion in more detail:

• Fluoridation. This is one of the most popular methods for strengthening and restoring enamel. The process involves applying a high-concentration fluoride solution to the teeth. Fluoride promotes enamel remineralization, making it more resistant to acids.
• Tooth filling. Photopolymer fillings are most often used for this purpose.
• Ceramic inlays or overlays. In case of significant enamel damage, ceramic inlays or overlays may be used to restore the shape and function of the tooth.
• Use of desensitizing agents. These agents help reduce the sensitivity of teeth exposed due to erosion.

An important part of the treatment is counseling the patient on proper oral care, as well as dietary recommendations to prevent further erosion.

A key aspect in treating enamel erosion is timely consultation with the dentist and a comprehensive approach to enamel restoration and strengthening. Regular examinations and adherence to doctor’s recommendations will help keep your teeth healthy and strong.

Preventing enamel erosion after treatment

After treatment, it is important to follow a dietary regimen to prevent enamel erosion of front teeth from recurring. Specifically, avoid acidic products, carry out regular hygienic cleaning of teeth, and use special toothpastes. Don’t forget to regularly visit the dentist for check-ups and professional oral hygiene. If possible, eliminate the factors that led to erosion and care for your overall heath.

How is the cost of enamel erosion treatment formed?

The cost of enamel erosion treatment in Kyiv depends on many factors: the degree of damage, the choice of materials, the clinic, and the doctor’s qualifications. You can find out the cost of treatment at the ID Dent clinic on this page of our website, above. We care to provide quality therapy at an affordable price.

Would you like to book an appointment with a dentist? We are waiting for you at the ID Dent dental center in Kyiv, in the Lesnoy Massif. Getting to us is very convenient, as we are located near Lesnaya and Chernigovskaya metro stations. We look forward to welcoming you to our dentistry!

List of used literature:

• Lobovkina L. A., Romanov A. M.Features of the development and treatment of erosions of hard tooth tissues //Dental Magazine. – 2015. – №. 11. – P. 12-15.