It is not uncommon when examining a patient to find that one or more teeth exhibits exposed dentin. The tooth involved is missing the enamel covering that should be providing a natural protection for this dentin. The problem is not that this dentin will be prone to decay since most people with normal dental hygiene and saliva are not at risk for decay. Dentin tends to decay when it is not kept clean because a patient has poor brushing habits and/ or they have a habitually dry mouth.
What does tend to occur is that over time exposed dentin will tend to experience both mechanical abrasion from tooth brushing and chemical erosion from being exposed to various fluids in the mouth. This process is a slow one and repair of exposed dentin is usually not urgent. Over time it can cause the adjacent enamel to become microscopically undermined and the areas of abrasion or erosion seem to slowly enlarge.
In my practice, I note areas of exposed dentin when I do my normal dental exams and often recommend the placement of shallow restorations using composite to protect the tooth against further erosion. The shallow restorations that I place help protect the tooth from further loss of dentin and its overlying enamel.
About the author: Lawrence Spindel
DDS is a dentist in New York City, who has has maintained a general and cosmetic dental practice for over
thirty years.
That's what my dentist told me.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I am a retired dentist and happy you are my dentist.
Thank you Marvin!
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeletei have 2 teeth with exposed dentine. my dentist insists only crowning them can stop the pain, as sensodyne enamel protector doesnt work anymore. i have asked for filling on the teeth but they refused. the teeth are not decayed in any way; they are eroded from my sweeth tooth and addiction to coca cola. please what advice can you offer me?
Can you send an smartphone picture to my email at: lawrencespindel@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI have a molar that had a small cavity on the buccal side that was drilled and filled around 15 years ago. A couple years ago the filling came out and left a large hole. When I look into the hole you can see the dentin. My question is, what can be done? I just went to the dentist and he said its a large hole and he thinks that when he bores it out the root might get exposed and then I'll need a root canal. It doesn't really hurt although it recently became sensitive too cold water. I can send a pic if it would help.
ReplyDeleteIf you have decay where the filling was placed you may end up needing a root canal. You are welcome to send a photo.
Deletelawrencespindel@yahoo.com
DeleteWould it be ok to email you in regards to dental worries I have .
DeleteI have very sensitive teeth; one molar had erosion of the enamel by the gum line. So my previous dentist used a shallow composite filling over it, but while he was using the drill to "rough the surface" to prepare it he slipped and the drill scored a groove/notch on the edge of the molar (my dental floss would go into it while flossing).
ReplyDeleteI knew something was wrong when the numbing wore off and I was in excruciating pain. Very sharp pain when anything touches it. I asked the dentist in a return visit to remedy it, but he said it was "an exposed nerve", charged me $125 then refused to explain how it happened, he refused to fill it, or even seal it to just relieve the pain.
I went back to his office a year later after another crown he put in fell out, and the notch on this other molar had widened/deepened- I asked for him to fill it because I was concerned about a cavity forming and was in a lot of pain. He refused to do it, ordered me to get out of his office, then refused to give me a copy of my patient records and x-rays.
What should I do? Is this normal?
It is your legal right to copies of your radiographs and records. Sounds like you should try another dentist.
DeleteHey! Please help me. My dentin is visible and it really looks bad when i speak. Is there any natural way to make my teeth white again?
ReplyDeleteOften exposed dentin can be covered by a shallow composite filling and the result can look extremely esthetic.
ReplyDeleteHello, I have exposed dentin on the topside of my molars. Now they are really sensitive. The doctor told me on my last visit that I have been brushing too hard. Is it possible to regenerate dentin. What is the best thing to do?
ReplyDeleteEventually, shallow fillings should be placed to cover the exposed dentin and act like a seal.
ReplyDeleteHave an exposed filing for years with a hole in the area the tooth broke off from the filing. I get this weird feeling in my head, though not painful. I can't explain the feeling but I will try. Feels as though my brain is expanding and extracting, last for a second it two. What could be the cause?
ReplyDeleteI've a root canal on my 2nd molar 8 months ago and they put a filling only due to my roots are too short to put a base for crown. It's also large break before.
ReplyDeleteNow my tooth got a little chip on the gum area and I can see the dentin.
What should I do?
Do the dentist can reinforce or put extra filling in it? Or do they need the remove all the dental filling?
Thank you.
Hi Dr. Spindel. I grind my teeth and have been wearing a teeth guard for the past few years while I sleep. Over the past few weeks I have noticed my front teeth have been sensitive to air and cold foods/drinks. Following an exam my dentist told me I have some exposed dentin on the underside of my top front teeth. He didnt offer many options besides wearing my teeth guard throughout the day-I must be grinding or clenching my teeth when I'm not realizing it. I am ready for a second opinion and would like a protective layer if another dentist would offer that. Would supplements also help? Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteSensitivity can be caused by a number of factors. Freshly exposed dentin can be one of them. If this is the cause, yes you can cover it with a layer of bonding, but if the area is on the edge and completety flat and worn, this may not be the best solution. Daily fluoride treatments may also work (Prevident can be prescribed by your dentist). Sensitivity of anterior teeth can be exacerbated by desiccation as well if you are a night time mouth breather. Rinsing during the night may help if this is your situation.
DeleteHello, I have exposed dentin on the top right side of my molars.they are sensitive. The doctor covered it with a shallow composite filling.
ReplyDeleteBut now it's even more sensitive than before can't even chew with it... PLEASE help
It's really hard to diagnose at a distance. Probably something can be done, but you need to be examined again by your dentist. Let him or her know that the tooth is still sensitive. If a root canal is suggested, please get a second opinion before proceeding.
DeleteWow amazing i saw the article with execution models you had posted. It was such informative. Really its a wonderful article. Thank you for sharing and please keep update like this type of article because i want to learn more relevant to this topic.
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Would you be willing to look at a photo via email of my daughters tooth for opinion?
ReplyDeleteSure. send it to : lawrencespindel@yahoo.com
DeleteI don’t have sensitive teeth but do have dentine showing on my bottom teeth, I also have Sjogrens so constant dry mouth, I use sugar free sweets & drinks but how do I get rid of the ugly brown line along the bite line of all my teeth.
ReplyDeleteUsually this black is internal in the tooth and probably is "petrified decay". To get rid of it usually I use a small 1/2 round bur and clean it all out . Afterwards I place a small composite restoration to fill and seal the cavity preparation. If this black is on the root where there is no enamel present to bond to I use a glass ionomer restoration or an resin modified glass ionomer.
DeleteNice post, Thanking for sharing this information and it is very useful. Keep update this kind of post.
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ReplyDeleteHello Doctor, Should I be able to see my Dentine through my enamel when I look at my front teeth closely? I have no sensitivity to hot or cold though.
ReplyDeleteI have several teeth that have dentin showing and it looks like the enamel is eroding away from the gum down. What would u do to stop the enamel from eroding?
ReplyDeleteAside from what placing fillings or possibly connective tissue grafts to correct recession, often erosion is made worse by gerd or bulimia or certain asthma medicines. If you suspect any of these maybe involved you should consult a physician.
DeleteHi. Thanks for the article. I'm 61 and had orthodontics 30 years ago. At the time I lost 2 mm of bone around every tooth exposing the root dentin. I have probably lost another one mm since then, exposing even more dentin. What would you recommend to protect the roots? I had two cavities in the roots years ago before I realized how much more they were susceptible to decay and increased my daily cleaning routine. I have little to no sensitivity. I'm mainly worried about cavities in the roots. But also down the line I'm concerned with possible abfractures beginning, and the looseness of the teeth from the bone loss.
ReplyDeleteI have exposed dentin on the bottom 2nd tooth behind my eye tooth (left side). I have had a couple different dentists over the years who have tried filling it, then the filling falls out. Another dentist has tried sealing it with something a couple times. Now the current dentist says where there's a dark spot, his tool stuck in it & he needs to fill the cavity. It used to be very painful, but it does not hurt at all now due to taking vitamin k2. I'm afraid if I let him drill on it & put a filling on it will damage it more & hurt again, & possibly cause need for root canal or crown. Please advise.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like the tooth has developed some decay (softened dark spot). Sounds like you should let your dentist fill this cavity. There always is a risk when cleaning out decay close to the pulp that a tooth will require root canal therapy, but you really have no other good choice. Leaving it alone will allow any decay present to worsen.
ReplyDeleteThis blog is amazing. Thank you so much for it. I have exposed dentin on my front teeth. I just started noticing sensitivity today and hoping it can be repaired. May I send a picture and make appointment to come see you? I’m in NJ not far from Manhattan.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
of course.... email me at lawrencespindel@yahoo.com
DeleteI have a broken crown exposing the dentin. The dentist says I don’t have any tooth left
ReplyDeleteunderneath. Can I get something to cover this exposed dentin till I figure out what to do?
I thank you
a resin modified glass inomer cement may adhere to exposed dentin for awhile, while you decide what to do. Also some glass inomers will work as well.
ReplyDeleteI just had a crown installed 7 days ago on tooth # 14. It looked great until this week. Now I see a thin pencil line of dentin at the margin. Do you think this is an ill-fitting crown? Will exposed dentin be an issue? Should a crown always cover a molar to the gum line? Some of my old crowns have dark margins but I expected a new crown to be perfect.
ReplyDelete