Enamel Defect: This is a general term indicating the presence of a lesion that affects the structural integrity of the enamel of a tooth.
- Enamel Hypoplasia: This refers to the inadequate deposition of enamel matrix resulting in areas of normal enamel next to areas of hypoplastic (missing) enamel.
- Enamel Hypomineralization: This refers to inadequate mineralization of enamel matrix resulting in areas of soft enamel that may be worn easily.
Enamel defects can appear in a single tooth or affect multiple teeth in the mouth, depending on the underlying cause, which may include factors such as trauma, infection (e.g., canine distemper virus), or toxicity (e.g., fluorosis). Depending on the severity of the defect, the tooth may be asymptomatic, exhibit increased sensitivity or pain in response to temperature changes, or undergo premature tooth death. Treatment will be determined by the extent of the defect.