Restoration of the worn dentition

• Tooth wear is a multifactorial process, which can make it difficult to identify a single cause at the individual patient level. Its progress is usually slow which characterizes it as a physiologic condition; when it threatens tooth survival or is of concern to the patient it may be regarded as pathologic. Recognition of the early signs of wear, and especially erosion, could bring about timely prevention and improve the lifespan of teeth. The most obvious feature of wear is shortened clinical crowns, generally accompanied by dentoalveolar compensation. This may complicate definitive conventional rehabilitation, although research, newer technologies and materials offer broader possibilities for rationalization of treatment modalities. Restoration of worn teeth will be needed in only some patients and the measures with which need for treatment is assessed is one of the keys to successful outcomes. In broad terms, the decision to treat or not should be guided by the patient’s stated and/or perceived need, the severity of the wear as determined by morphological changes and the potential for progression in the context of the patient’s age. The decision will in most cases be tempered by the generally complex and expensive nature of rehabilitation of the worn dentition and the known risks of biomechanical failures. The striking lack of evidence regarding long-term outcome of restorative treatment of tooth wear using different methods and materials also calls for caution in decision-making.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Odontologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Dentistry (hsv//eng)

Keyword

abrasion

attrition

Dahl concept

erosion

tooth wear

restorative materials

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

kap (subject category)