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Enamel Defects

This puppy presented with enamel defects, and almost all of his teeth were affected. He underwent teeth restoration to protect his teeth and remove pain and sensitivity. Now, he’s feeling great with a new smile!

What is an enamel defect?

The outer layer of the crown of the tooth is enamel, the hardest substance in the body, even harder than bone. It protects softer and more sensitive layers of tooth tissue below (dentin and pulp).

Sometimes we find irregular or missing areas of enamel with discoloration, mostly found in young animals, like our patient.

What causes enamel defects?

The initiating cause occurs in an early stage of tooth development. In dogs, teeth start developing at around 25 days after conception. Puppies are born with two sets of teeth developing inside their jaws: deciduous (baby) and adult teeth. They both have enamel. Enamel production for each tooth is completed before the tooth erupts. If anything happens to disturb this complex process, it can result in enamel defects.

It can be an infectious disease which a puppy underwent at a young age or a trauma to a developing tooth. In some dogs, genetics also play a role. Over time, the exposed dentin (initially white) will pick up stains, which makes enamel defects very obvious. This is a time to act.

What is the treatment?

Defects should be treated, otherwise it leaves the tooth dentin exposed. It causes sensitivity, pain and is an open door to infection to the deeper layer of the tooth. Teeth with enamel defects are easier to wear or break.

Every patient requires general anaesthesia and dental radiographs. Some dogs with enamel defects might have other abnormalities such as abnormal roots. The dentin layer is protected with a bonded sealant or a composite restoration. It decreases sensitivity and protects the tooth.