Tooth Wear
Management of Tooth Wear
Tooth Wear Canley Heights
The tooth enamel is actually the human body’s hardest substance. It is highly mineralised and non-living, compared to bone and dentin which are living tissues.
But still, it is common for enamel to wear down for various reasons. But when tooth wear becomes noticeable or significant, intervention may be necessary to keep your bite functioning properly and protect your teeth.
Tooth wear can take several forms, all of which may cause sensitivity and discomfort. Knowing how to prevent dental wear can help your teeth stay strong and healthy!
Types of Tooth Wear
There are 3 types of tooth wear: abrasion, attrition and erosion.
Sometimes, it is difficult to determine the type of tooth wear present because different types often occur altogether.
Abrasion: Physical wear of the teeth caused by anything other than tooth to tooth contact, e.g. overzealous or inappropriate toothbrushing, repeated use of a toothpick or placing hairpins between the teeth.
Attrition: Loss of tooth structure due to tooth-to-tooth contact, such as teeth grinding.
Dental erosion: Wearing away of tooth enamel due to the presence of harmful acids in the mouth.
Treatment for Tooth Wear
Patients with abfraction or abrasion can have a filling placed on the side of the tooth over the damaged area to help protect against continued wear, although it may not be medically necessary.
Alternatively, you may choose to have fluoride applied at your six-month preventive care appointments or use a fluoride-containing toothpaste to help with sensitivity.
Your Canley Heights dentist will also continue monitoring the site of tooth wear to make sure it doesn’t worsen.
Your enamel won’t grow back, but not all is lost!
Take necessary preventive measures to preserve your smile. Knowing how to care for your teeth and practising good habits recommended by your dental professionals can help your smile last a lifetime!
Tooth Wear Treatment in Canley Heights
Lost tooth structure may need to be replaced for your bite to function properly and your teeth to look great once again.
Depending on the condition, this can be done with dental bonding, veneers, or crowns. Modern dentistry at Canley Heights Dental Care can restore the normal shape, appearance and function of worn teeth — beautifully and successfully!
Visit your Canley Heights dentist today!
If you want to know more about our tooth wear treatments in Canley Heights, please call us on (02) 9199 9678 or book your appointment online.
We are located at 1/229 Canley Vale Road in Canley Heights.
