Enamel Flashcards
origin of enamel
inner enamel epithelium
composition of enamel
96% inorganic, 4% organic, and water
characteristics of enamel
- hydroxyapatite
- protein between crystals
- non-vital; avascular
- primary more opaque than permanent dentition
How does enamel mature
- apposition of protein matrix from ameloblasts
- maturation is mineralized by addition of hydroxyapatite
- post-eruptive-still a dynamic tissue that is influences by its environment
What does mature enamel look like
looks like a rod or prism
what must you have to create enamel
four ameloblasts to 1 rod
where does enamel extend from
extends from DEJ to surface
Microscopic features of mature enamel
- DEJ-scalloped
- Striae of Retzius-neonatal line
- Neonatal line-trauma of birth
- Enamel Spindles-odontoblastic processes that becomes mineralized in enamel
- Enamel tufts-deepest 1/3 of enamel
- Enamel lamella-longer and narrow version of tuft
Defects of Amelogenesis
- genetic dysplasia/hypoplasia
- febrile diseases
- tetracycline
- fluoride
- enamel hypoplasia and hypocalcification
- turners spot
genetic dysplasia/hypoplasia characteristics
from mom or dad and effects formation of all teeth when genetic
febrile disease characteristics
effects enamel and is due to a bad fever as a child; seen in mandibular incisors and mandibular first molars
tetracycline characteristics
can be incorporated in causing a deep intrinsic staining; severity depends on how long antibiotic taken
fluoride characteristics
greater than 2 ppm; can create fluorosis after 6 months
enamel hypoplasia and hypocalcification characteristics
enamel hypoplasia-not enough enamel (quantity)
hypocalcification-not enough mineral content (quality)
turners spot
disruption in reduced enamel epithelium causing localized resorption; common in mandibular incisors
Repair capability of enamel
none
Types of Fluoride
- Topical: give patient toothpaste with fluoride in it
2. Systematic: Water supply or prescription with fluoride
Enamel bonding capabilities
it has bonding capabilities which is why we can complete restorations because the enamel allows us to bind to it
Different ways enamel can be lost
- Attrition: tooth wearing against tooth
- Abrasion: something from the outside (toothbrush) on tooth removing enamel
- Erosion: Chemical process done through excessive vomiting
What should you tell a patient to do directly after vomiting
remove the taste in mouth by rinsing mouth with water and spitting it out. Do not use toothpaste.
