How can the quality of dentin be improved/sealed?

There are products on the market from some manufacturers that can seal the dentine canals lying on the surface. They form a kind of sealant. These so called Dentisizers are applied to the exposed tooth necks and cured with a curing lamp.

The liquid settles into the ends of the canals and seals them so that they are less sensitive. This process is repeated three times. However, after half a year to three quarters of a year, this protective layer will wear off again, which is why the sealing only provides temporary relief.

Another temporary solution is the application of highly concentrated fluoride varnishes, which also provide temporary protection. In case of massive plaster defects, only a definitive resin filling can help to cover the sensitive area and also restore the aesthetics, as dentin is considerably darker and more yellowish than tooth enamel. However, these fillings do not last for a long time when chewing, which is why alternatives such as crowns, veneers or even a surgical crown extension through mucous membrane should be considered.

Gums that have pulled up do not grow back to their original place. Covering the exposed neck of the tooth can only be achieved with a mucous membrane transplant in the case of massive defects. As a rule, a piece of mucous membrane and connective tissue is surgically removed from the palate and reattached to the neck of the tooth. However, this procedure is a purely private service and is not covered by the statutory health insurance.

What is a dentin adhesive filling?

The term dentin adhesive filling describes a special attachment of a plastic filling to a tooth. This is necessary because dentin has special material properties and therefore requires special treatment. Dentin is water-loving (= hydrophilic) due to its high organic content.

The resin is the exact opposite, it is hydrophobic, which means that it does not bond with water. If the dentist now tries to bond the hydrophobic resin with the hydrophilic dentine, this only works with a mediator. So-called primers, once they have been chemically bonded, enable a firm bond between dentine and resin and can thus overcome the natural barrier of the two substances. The primer is a low-viscosity substance that protects the dentine from drying out and at the same time creates a micromechanical bond that bonds dentine and resin together for a long time. Due to this strong bond, no special anchoring by special grinding by the dentist is necessary and can therefore protect substance.

What can be done if the dentin is damaged?

Slight superficial injuries of the dentin can be regenerated by concentrated fluoride applications. In the case of deep and severe damage, for example by caries, this must first be removed and the defect covered again with plastic. If the lesion is so large that a filling cannot replace it, dentures are necessary. Partial crowns, veneers or crowns can be used to treat the defect.