Enamel Microabrasion for Removal of Superficial Coloration and Surface Texture Defects

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Abstract

Enamel microabrasion is a method of removing superficial enamel coloration defects. Brown, white, and multicolored spots and streaks in tooth surfaces have been called “dysmineralization,” and in some cases, such as fluorosis, their cause is known. In other cases in which etiology of the defect is unknown, the proper diagnosis is “idiopathic enamel dysmineralization.” Decalcification defects, which are white, result from acid dissolution of the outer layer of enamel and are the first stage in the dental caries process. Analogous to dermabrasion on skin surfaces, enamel microabrasion permanently removes coloration defects with a compound made of dilute hydrochloric acid and a fine abrasive powder, in a water-soluble silica gel. The enamel surface is reduced microscopically by simultaneous abrasion and erosion, and enamel loss is insignificant and unrecognizable. This chapter reviews the procedure of microbrasion of enamel surfaces and gives examples of treatment for decalcification, dysmineralization, and surface texture improvement. A fourth case shows 27-year postoperative results.

Keywords

Enamel Surface Enamel Defect Maxillary Central Incisor Amelogenesis Imperfecta Dentinogenesis Imperfecta 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Notes

Authors’ Acknowledgment

The authors gratefully acknowledge Quintessence Publishing Company for their gracious consent to reproduce the photographs in this chapter, and portions of the text, which originally appeared in Croll TP, Donly KJ: Enamel microabrasion for removal of decalcification, dysmineralization, and surface texture defects. American Journal of Esthetic Dentistry 2013; 3(92):92–99.

Authors’ Disclaimer

The authors have no financial interest in any product or company mentioned in this chapter. The second author (TPC) formerly had financial interest in PREMA® and OPALUSTRE® by virtue of patent licensing agreements, which ended with expiration of the patents.

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Copyright information

© Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2016

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Department of Developmental DentistryThe University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (School of Dentistry)San AntonioUSA
  2. 2.Private Practice, Pediatric DentistryDoylestownUSA
  3. 3.Department of Pediatric DentistryUniversity of Washington School of DentistrySeattleUSA

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