What can be done if the dentin is discoloured? | Dentin

What can be done if the dentin is discoloured?

Dentin differs in structure and colour from enamel. While the enamel carries the brilliant white, the dentin is yellowish and much darker. This discoloration is not pathological, however, but normal.

If the affected person finds it unaesthetic, dentin can be bleached. However, this always removes liquid from the substance, which can weaken the structure. It should therefore be considered whether bleaching is necessary. Fillings and dentures such as veneers and crowns can also cover up discolouration.

What can be done if the dentin becomes soft?

Dentin is the second hardest structure in our body after enamel. If too little fluoride is supplied to the body through food and dental care, the dentin becomes softer and is weakened. The dentin can only be strengthened by re-mineralising the hard tooth substance through regular fluoridation and thorough dental care. Dentin is capable of storing fluoride in the mass and thus strengthening it, which is why targeted fluoridation once a week provides lasting protection for the tooth. In this way, dentin can also be protected from caries to promote natural oral health.

Can dentin regenerate?

Unlike enamel, dentin is capable of regeneration. The dentine-forming cells, the odontoblasts, remain active after formation and can form dentine again without degenerating, as is the case with enamel. The odontoblasts regularly form dentine throughout their lifetime, so that the pulp gradually withdraws over the course of life and the mass of dentine increases. In addition, they are able to form dentin in response to certain stimuli and thus have a natural protective function.