Which process begins within 24 hours to help desensitize exposed enamel?

The process that begins within 24 hours to help desensitize exposed enamel is remineralization. This natural process involves the incorporation of minerals back into the enamel, helping to restore its hardness and reduce sensitivity. When enamel is exposed due to factors such as acid attacks from foods or bacterial activity, minerals such as calcium and phosphate can be lost, leading to desensitization and potential cavities.

Remineralization occurs when saliva and fluoride from dental products can facilitate the return of these essential minerals to the enamel surface. This effectively aids in repairing early stages of decay and can help reduce sensitivity associated with exposed areas of enamel.

In contrast, demineralization is the process that starts as a result of acid exposure and leads to the loss of minerals from the enamel, which does not help with desensitization. Reconstruction might imply restoring structure but does not directly refer to the mineral replenishment process. Deposition generally refers to the accumulation of substances rather than the specific process of returning minerals to the enamel. Therefore, remineralization is the key process for addressing sensitivity in exposed enamel.