| Enamel Dentistry Milwaukee Reconstructive Prosthodontics Enamel Erosion |
|
 |
|
                                 |
Tooth Enamel Damage Dentistry - WisconsinUnderstanding Enamel Loss: Disease - Acids - PhysicalHealthy tooth structures are made up of a layer of enamel that completely envelops the tooth. This protective material ranges up from approximately 2.5 - 3.0 millimeters thick, typically on the biting surfaces. It is the hardest and most mineralized tissue in our bodies.Perhaps the most common cause of enamel loss is due to the routine decay that most people experience as a simple cavity. Left untreated, as we all know, cavities become larger and larger and can completely destroy a tooth. As patients, we all try to seek treatment to arrest and treat this condition as soon as we can. Prescription fluoride, fluoride treatments for adults and children can help as can diet modification.
Understanding the types of causes and associating them with certain symptoms can help patients determine what they can do to conserve, maintain or possibly treat the loss of this important tissue. Oral Health HabitsSucking lemons, keeping candies and mints in mouths for hours or during sleep, sipping sugary drinks all day, chewing tobacco all day, snuff, smoking, dissolving medicines in mouth instead of swallowing. Sugary gum or sour gummi bears that have citric acid that dissolves teeth. Oral DiseaseFevers at young age, antibiotics while teeth developing in utero, periodontitis leading to food impaction in crevices around teeth. Xerostomia - dry mouth due to medication or illness or age. Oral disease mirrors systemic disease. Leukemia, HIV, Diabetes, cancers, all can influence caries/cavities due to immunocompromised systems. Eating Preferences - HabitsExcess candy consumption, lack of proper nutrition, high fructose corn syrup Bulimia PurgingAcid attack, gasses from stomach, acid reflux, vomit acids TraumaFracture, chips, missing tooth or fillings can lead to impaction of bacteria, decay and further breakdown FrictionFillings that are too high, poorly shaped, pitted, old ditched, can pack food leading to deterioration and decay. OcclusalGrinding, Bruxism (nocturnal grinding), posturing things between teeth, using teeth as tools. Incompatability with Previous DentistryLeaking crowns that don't fit, cement that has leached out leaving gaps for bacteria to seep through, overhangs (rough fillings or excess fillings that tear floss and pack food) that trap bacteria. Genetic Birth DefectsEctodermal dysplasia Developmental Growth AbnormalitiesAmelogenesis or Dentinogenesis imperfecta are factors that can lead to pitting and decay. Prevention - Control - Treatment of Enamel DamageLoss or deterioration of enamel can have many causes, as outlined above. Whether or not there is a fix, cure (a misnomer, really), or method for repairing affected enamel is based on the original cause.In many situations the treatments of choice that offer strong predictability of success, both functionally and cosmetically, are the use of restorative procedures recommended by a cosmetic dentist. New porcelain crowns for restoring deteriorating teeth to natural contours and function, buildups and fillings to test a new bite or restore lost biting relationships, implant crowns, bridges and quality feldspathic porcelain offer a variety of creative methods for overcoming the loss of enamel In cases where enamel loss is arrested early (perhaps due to poor dietary habits) certain types of mineralizing agents in the form of toothpastes and rinses can be successfull. Below is a very brief outline of anticipated treatments for each of the categories of enamel loss. Some are homeopathic, and can be done at home. Others require the expert help of an experienced dentist. Oral Health HabitsConsciously changing behavior, biofeedback, splint therapy or appliances to change habits such as NTI or the Best Bite Discluder Oral DiseaseCariology (study of cavities) bears out that it is a disease. Complete eradication is needed to stop the spread of the bacterial infection that is caries. Fluoride releasing fillings, mouth-rinses, and systemic medication can all be useful adjuncts to stopping carious lesions from spreading.Fluoride releasing fillings, crowns with fluoride cements, trays for at home fluoride treatments and behavior modification are all possible treatments. Eating Preferences - HabitsHigh fructose corn syrup found in sodas, juice drinks, sports drinks as well as energy bars are bathing teeth in sugar. Blended coffee drinks and the decrease in milk consumption have been blamed in the increase in rampant tooth decay. Solution, see oral disease. Bulimia PurgingBehavioral Psychologist, medication, and restoration with crowns and orthodontics when stable TraumaRoot canal therapy if needed, large restorative fillings to restore teeth to high strength, and crowns or protective caps FrictionMouthguards, occlusal adjustments, equillibration or evening out of bite. Rehabilitiation or reconstruction of bite OcclusalMouthguards, splints, adjustment of bite. Possible rehabilitation of bite with crowns or posterior porcelain or gold restoration Incompatability with Previous Dentistryreplace it with modern state-of-the-art- restorative dentistry to include gold, porcelain,zirconium, pressed or feldspathic porcelain Genetic Birth DefectsRestoration of missing teeth or pitted teeth with fillings or crowns. Missing teeth to be replaced with implant supported crowns or bridges Developmental Growth Abnormalitiessee genetic birth defectsIf you believe you have a tooth enamel problem or abnormality not covered in the material above, call our office at 414-464-9021 for a free consult or contact Dr. Winter directly through our on-line Ask The Dentist form. Patients from Illinois, Minnesota, Indiana and other areas of the Midwest are encouraged to contact Dr. Richard directly with our on-line Ask The Dentist form... to get more information about what is possible with varying degrees of reconstructive dentistry. See more examples of cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry including porcelain crown and veneer makeovers, diastema repair, tetracycline stain whitening and gum contouring at our Hampton Dental Associates Photo Gallery.
|
