London Tooth Wear Centre
Specialist Dental Care
London Tooth Wear Centre
Management of Patients with Advanced Tooth Wear
Many patients are referred by their doctors or dentists for help with the management of advanced tooth wear. Self-referral is also quite common. Whilst most of the patients that we look after are not nearly as severe as the situation below and simpler techniques can be used, patients with advanced problems should be aware that help is normally available.In the example below, this 55 year old male patient presented with a host of problems relating to both function and aesthetics. The presenting situation resulted from long-standing acid reflux compounded by a night-time grinding and clenching habit where the biting forces wore down teeth that have already been softened by stomach acids. The same is often true for patients who have a highly acidic diet.
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On gentle smiling, little tooth is visible and the lips and corners of the mouth can often become both dry and sore. |
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On closer inspection, it is clear to see that all the teeth are very heavily worn leading to sharpness, sensitivity, reduced function and an unsatisfactory smile. |
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The teeth have been restored with crowns whilst some that just could not be saved have been replaced by dental implants following a combination of gum treatment and the establishment of a new and comfortable biting relationship. |
In conjunction with this level of comprehensive care, it is essential that we work closely with the patient's medical team to ensure control of any acid reflux or modification of diet whilst protective follow-up care is also provided to help all of our patients maintain the time and financial investment that they will have made in their dental health. Please do contact us for any further advice.