In most situations, contacting the dentist and requesting a cosmetic whitening procedure is sufficient to repair the damage and return your teeth to a more appealing hue. However, if the enamel is severely worn away, there is no repairing it. The only solution is to replace it with another piece of enamel. Enamel is the protective material that covers the surface of the tooth. It helps prevent substances such as acidic foods and beverages from contacting the dentin, which lies beneath the enamel. As you age, your enamel may wear away due to acid attacks from food or drink, causing it to become thin or transparent. This is called erosion. If significant amounts of enamel are lost, then dental implants may be recommended as a permanent solution to replace the missing tissue. Implants are small titanium posts that are placed into your jawbone where they can grow into healthy bone tissue. Once the implants are in place, they allow for the attachment of other teeth or artificial replacements to restore your smile. With any type of treatment, oral surgery included, there is a chance of complications arising. If you experience any pain when chewing or drinking hot liquids, then contact your dentist right away so that any necessary treatments can be done to prevent further injury to your mouth.