Tooth Erosion Treatment – How to Restore Tooth Enamel Loss
Treatment of tooth erosion (restore tooth enamel)
Tooth erosion affects the whole surface of the tooth. If the problem is not identified and treated early enough, the damage to tooth structures may be so extensive that it requires expensive cosmetic dentistry to restore function and appearance.
The treatment of dental erosion includes two separate steps. The first step is the identification and elimination of the reasons that have caused the tooth erosion and the second step is to treat the symptoms and to restore tooth enamel loss with restorative procedures by a cosmetic dentist.
A. Eliminate the causes of tooth erosion
Diet. If the cause of the dental erosion is the consumption of acidic foods or drinks, patient education may solve the problem. The patient must make dietary modifications as those described in the next section about the prevention of tooth erosion.
Medical consultation. If the problem is caused by medical condition as GERD the patient must consult a medical doctor for the appropriate treatment. In case of bulimia caused tooth erosion a psychologist may help to treat the condition.
B. Restore tooth enamel loss
Treatment of dental erosion depends on the severity of the damage. If the loss of tooth enamel is moderate without affecting the patient’s appearance, there is no need of restorative treatment. The dentist may recommend certain fluoride treatments and de-sensitizing toothpastes to control the tooth sensitivity symptoms caused by teeth erosion. Enhancing the re-mineralization process by providing minerals such as fluoride may be enough for natural tooth enamel restoration. The dentist may also apply a fluoride varnish on the affected teeth for further protection and repair of tooth enamel.
Restorative cosmetic treatments become necessary if the tooth enamel damage is extensive. Depending on the degree of tooth wear, restorative treatment can range from placement of bonded composites (teeth bonding) in a few isolated areas of teeth erosion, to crowns, dental porcelain veneers, bridges or even full mouth reconstruction in the case of severe tooth enamel damage. A cosmetic dentist has to evaluate the situation and recommend the best cosmetic treatment to restore teeth function and appearance.
After treatment, the patient who has suffered dental erosion must follow a careful preventive plan to avoid further tooth enamel loss and the high expenses of the associated cosmetic treatments.
Regular preventive dental visits are important for the prevention of tooth erosion. During the dental exam, the dental hygienist can easily identify early signs of erosion before it causes significant damage to teeth.
You should always check carefully before you choose a dental insurance if preventive dental visits and 'cosmetic' restorative procedures are covered.
Prevention of dental erosion and tooth enamel loss
Tooth erosion can do severe damage to your teeth, but it is preventable. There are several preventive measures that can be taken to control tooth enamel loss and prevent dental erosion:
The cost involved with tooth restoration can be significant and many patients may not afford it if they are not covered by their dental insurance. Learn how to choose a dental insurance plan that will provide the best dental treatment to yourself and your family.