Enamel Hypoplasia / Dysplasia

Occasionally a dog or cat may have a tooth or several teeth erupt with abnormal enamel. Enamel is the white substance that covers the crown of a tooth. This abnormal enamel could be secondary to enamel hypoplasia or a faulty formation of the enamel matrix. As the pet matures the unhealthy or missing enamel chips away further. The underlying dentin, which is made up of living microscopic tubules, takes up the stain of the oral cavity. This causes the tooth to discolor usually turning first yellow then to brown. Treatment of enamel dysplasia involves removal of all abnormal enamel and then sealing the underlying dentin with either a composite restoration (filling) or bonded sealant. It is important that the pet does not chew on any hard or abrasive toys, as dentin is much softer than enamel and teeth with enamel dysplasia are more likely to wear and/or fracture than teeth with normal enamel.

enamel hypoplasia | Animal Dental Center
Severe enamel dysplasia on the upper incisors

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Our doctors are Board Certified Veterinary Dentists™

The board-certified veterinary dentists at Animal Dental Center have the extensive knowledge, expertise, and specialized equipment to determine the extent and severity of your pet’s oral disease and to provide appropriate treatment. You will have peace of mind knowing your pet is receiving a professional dental cleaning, diagnosis through radiographs and treatment of periodontal disease and other oral pathology. This treatment, usually combined with at-home daily oral homecare will also help to prevent future oral disease.
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