How Does a Restorative Dentist Treat Tooth Wear?

Wondering what a restorative dentist can do about worn-down teeth? Read on to learn more. It is normal for teeth to wear down. However, it becomes problematic if the rate of wear is disproportional to the patient's age. This common dental issue weakens the teeth and also makes the tooth less appealing. A few oral habits like teeth grinding wear down the teeth over time. A restorative dentist corrects this particular issue using various techniques to restore oral health.

How a restorative dentist corrects tooth wear

Tooth wear is the progressive degradation of the enamel, the hardest, outermost layer of the tooth. This may result in sensitivity, chipping of teeth, infection, pain, and decay. Causes of teeth wear include bruxism (teeth grinding), abrasion from aggressive brushing, and erosion from dietary acids.

A restorative dentist will perform a visual evaluation, sometimes along with digital imaging, to figure out the source of wear. This diagnosis is essential to determine the appropriate treatment. Some of them include:

Dental bonding

Dental bonding can be a fast and simple fix for minor wear on teeth. It requires the application of a tooth-colored composite resin. The dentist will sculpt the resin and harden it to conceal flaws. Dental bonding is typically a quick and inexpensive process.

Dental crowns

If the teeth have worn down or decayed, the dentist will generally recommend dental crowns. Crowns stop additional damage and restore function. The dental crowns are also more long-lasting and more aesthetic. The dentist will take an impression of the prepared tooth and send it to the dental lab. The crowns are made to match the patient's tooth in shape and color.

Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin layers of porcelain bonded to the front of teeth. They conceal the deterioration and give the smile a flawless appearance. The dentist will prepare the tooth by filing away a bit of the enamel. They will then make impressions of the tooth for veneer production. Each veneer is custom-made to fit each of the teeth snugly.

Onlays and inlays

Onlays and inlays provide a conservative but effective therapy for moderate teeth wear. These restorations fit the damaged region and restore the shape and strength of the tooth. Unlike dental crowns, onlays require only small modifications to the original tooth structure. It is a great choice when the damage is too minor to use crowns but more than what a regular dental filling can handle.

Prevention and maintenance

Patients need to take particular steps after restoring the tooth to prevent it from reoccurring. The dentist will educate patients on proper brushing methods and diet modifications to decrease acid exposure. Night guards for bruxism may be recommended for patients who grind their teeth. The dentist will also check the condition of restorations and the health of the teeth at every dental checkup. Continuous dental assessments enable the dentist to detect new or developing wear promptly.