Your Teeth and the Aging Process
The human tooth is a remarkable structure. It is highly specialized and engineered to withstand the tremendous chewing forces over a lifetime. Natural teeth have three distinct layers; the inner pulp, the middle dentin layer. and the outermost enamel cover. Each of these layers provides it’s own unique properties to the tooth as a whole.
The pulp contains the blood vessels, nerves, and lymph channels. This layers makes the tooth “live” and able to respond to injury. Directly around the pulp is the middle ‘dentin layer’. Most of the tooth’s mass is dentin. This layer is highly organic and contains a large amount of collagen. As such it provides the tooth with flexibility and compliance. In other words, it allows the tooth to be resilient and bend without breaking. The dentin layer is also directly attached to the nerves so when it becomes exposed we experience tooth sensitivity. And lastly, the enamel layer is the hard shiny outer coating.. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body giving the tooth its strength and rigidity. It also covers the dentin layer to prevent its rapid aging due to the harsh oral environment. Without the enamel, the tooth would be floppy and we wouldn’t be able to bite an apple. The optimal combination of the dentin and enamel layers provides the teeth with the perfect blend of stiffness, strength, and resilience.
Age related changes in tooth structure are the main challenge of a population that is getting older and keeping more of its natural teeth. Through the natural aging process the original enamel thickness is progressively reduced. These changes cause several adverse effects such as loss of strength, color changes, enamel cracking, and sensitivity. Having this knowledge and access to high-performance modern dental materials, we are able to correct these changes. With the proper treatment we can ensure that we can keep our teeth strong, attractive and free of sensitivity. Best of all, these treatments are typically ultraconservative, pain-free, and safe.