Dental Attrition Problems Need Treatment from a Dentist

Minor deviations in the alignment of your teeth that went uncorrected in your younger years can have a significant impact later in life. As the years go by some of the surfaces of your teeth can start to rub together at an unhealthy angle. This can eventually start to wear away the tooth enamel causing progressive dental attrition.

A tooth in this condition will be at increasing risk of suffering ancillary complications. The compromised area of tooth enamel can gradually start to harbor bacterial deposits that foster a new cavity to develop deep in the tooth. At the same time the compromised dental structure could also increase the tooth’s chances of suffering a severe fracture.

With early diagnosis, your dentist can sometimes treat a small area of dental attrition with a dental filling. However, if a large amount of tooth enamel has been damaged, or a new cavity has formed, they might recommend restoring the tooth with a dental crown. This common dental restoration will effectively replace the entire tooth enamel layer with a special dental material. Most dental crowns are made from either porcelain, gold, or an alloy of base metals.

To properly anchor your crown in place, your dentist will use a dental drill to remove any existing tooth enamel. This will leave behind an abutment post of healthy dentin. An impression will be created of the abutment and the position of all relative teeth in the area. Your dentist will secure a temporary crown is over the abutment to protect it while dental technicians work to create your dental crown.

When the dental crown is ready a member of staff will call you to schedule a second appointment. This appointment will be as brief as the temporary crown is removed before your dentist cements the final crown in place with a special dental adhesive. Dr. Ben Taylor might also check the relationship between the dental crown and the related teeth in your bite pattern. If warranted, Dr. Ben Taylor might make some minor alterations to the crown or a related tooth.

If you live in the Louisville, Kentucky, area and you have a tooth suffering excess wear and tear, you should call 502-893-5677 to have it examined and treated at First Care Dental.