What happens when the enamel is gone off your teeth?

Sensitivity: Enamel is supposed to protect the teeth from temperature and discomfort. It is the hardest structure in the body.

Weaker Tooth: When enamel is worn off or is traumatically cracked off of the tooth, you end up with dentin, the inner layer of the tooth which is much softer than enamel and will easily abrade from normal tooth brushing. Also, dentin has nerve endings and is close to the center nerve within the tooth, thereby being sensitive to contact with food or temperature of food. Often patients need full coverage crowns.

More likely decay: Decay eats away at dentin much more rapidly versus enamel, also dentin has tubules with fluid, and if the morphology of the fluid changes, sensitivity and pain will often result.

More wear: Enamel is designed to withstand chewing and abrasion. Dentin is not. It is common for the dentin to wear rapidly when not protected by enamel. Also higher deaf rate.

Nothing good.: Enamel is the tooth's protection against cavities and accelerated wearing away. It also protects you from being sensitive to hot, cold, sweets and salts, etc. And, finally, enamel is the "white" color of the tooth. When the enamel is gone you will see the dentin that was underneath. Dentin is usually ranging from yellow to brown, so you will not look very attractive!

You can replace it: Usually porcelain veneers or bonding can put back enamel that you have lost. Bonding is less expensive but needs more maintenance, like every 2 years. Porcelain veneers ar permanent, and feel more like your original teeth! this patient wore down her enamel at the age of 26. Porcelain veneers covered her enamel and gave her back her smile. Avg cost $16, 500.

Many problems: If you have amelogenesis imperfecta, you may need to have multiple crowns to protect your teeth. Check with your doctor. Without enamel, decay and sensitivity, wearing down your dentin, etc. All are serious problems.

Several problems: Enamel is the strongest layer on our teeth. If it is gone for what ever reason, could be teeth grinding or sucking on lemon..., then teeth become prone to more cavities, and sensitivity because second layer or teeth, called dentin is not as strong as the enamel.

Loss of enamel: Loss of enamel will result exposure of dentin microscopic hole to oral cavity and results more sensetvity to bleeching using florid jell over your teeth to prevent more sensetivity or visite your dentist for better treatment option.

Enamel isn't issue!: Unless you grind your teeth and fracture the enamel away, or expose your teeth to erosive substances from habitual lemon sucking or prolonged exposure to chlorinated swimming pools in all probability you have lost root surface dentin not crown surface enamel. With enamel hard as glass and roots soft like wood, bad brushing scrubs away the gums & root yielding cold sensitivity & decay potential.

It is gone: Cannot replace enamel. Most likely you need a filling or crown to replace it. When the inner layer of tooth is exposed (dentin) it can lead to sensitivity, decay, or possible damage to the nerve of the tooth. It is much softer and much more prone to wear. Seek a dental evaluation.

Sensitivity: Usually when enamel is lost you would get sensitivity. For repair you may need veneers or crowns. It really depends on how much is gone and where. Please see your dentist.