Dental hypoplasia is a problem in the development of tooth enamel.
Enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth. It is made up of hydroxyapatite crystals, which gives it its hardness. Enamel is a transparent layer that covers the dentin (the layer that gives our teeth colour). When dental hypoplasia occurs, what happens is that our enamel has structural deficiencies that produce these stains. Lesions may also appear in the form of transverse lines or even gaps. These lesions are extremely porous and much more susceptible to cavities.
Origin or etiology.
Dental hypoplasia is produced fundamentally by systemic or metabolic factors at the time of making and developing the dental work. It is an alteration in the production of the tooth matrix that causes the formation of a thinner enamel in certain areas of the tooth.
Currently, about 40% of children have problems with hypoplasia in one of their teeth. It is for this reason that we must pay special attention to it.
Children with enamel hypoplasia must maintain a high level of hygiene and must go to the dentist frequently due to the high risk of developing large cavities in short periods of time.
Treatment of enamel hypoplasia.
Depending on the severity of the damage, hypoplasia will be treated in different ways:
Sealants: the fissures of the molars are sealed, and this is only recommended in mild cases.
Micro abrasion: the damaged enamel area is removed and filled with tooth-colored composite.
Dental crowns or veneers: in the most serious cases or those with the greatest aesthetic damage.
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