top of page

Complex issue resolved through a straightforward approach

Complex issue resolved through a straightforward approach
Complex issue resolved through a straightforward approach

Hover over to see After

Before

After

This case involving a patient who had to travel an hour for dental care highlights the challenges some individuals face in accessing specialized treatment. The specific issue with pathway wear, where only a few teeth on one side of the mouth are worn down due to a one-sided habit, is a unique dental concern. In such cases, restoring the teeth can be complex, as it often requires changing the overall bite and inter-arch space.

A full mouth rehabilitation is the typical approach to address this problem. This involves changing the overall length of most of the teeth in the mouth to create the necessary space. However, this is often a temporary phase to assess how the patient adapts to the change in teeth shape and how the teeth meet. The extraction of a tooth with a poor prognosis and its addition to a temporary denture at an increased OVD (occlusal vertical dimension) to create space in the front of the mouth is a strategic move.

Using white fillings to change the shape of the teeth is another part of this process, but the decision to proceed with more permanent crowns or maintain the composite fillings can depend on factors such as the patient's tolerance and cost implications. In this case, the patient opted to maintain the composite fillings and had new dentures made around them. While composite fillings are more prone to issues like fracture, discoloration, and chipping, this approach was a cost-effective solution for the patient, who was very pleased with the result.

This case demonstrates the complexity of dental rehabilitation and the importance of finding solutions that work for the individual patient, taking into account factors like their ability to tolerate changes and their financial considerations. It also underscores the significance of providing accessible dental care, as this patient had to travel a considerable distance to receive the necessary treatment.

See in action


Patient's Situation:

The patient traveled from an hour away to seek dental help because local providers were unwilling to address her concerns.
The patient presented with a unique case involving pathway wear, where only a few teeth on one side of her mouth were significantly worn down due to a one-sided habit.
This issue had led to a loss of space as the gums and bone adapted to maintain contact between the teeth.
Treatment Provided:

In a typical case like this, a full mouth rehabilitation would be required, involving changes to the occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) or inter-arch space and, as a result, the length of most of the teeth in the mouth.
To address this challenge, an initial step was taken by extracting a tooth that had a poor prognosis. This extracted tooth was then added to a temporary denture, creating an increased OVD to introduce space in the front of the mouth.
White fillings were used to alter the shape of the teeth. In such cases, these fillings are a temporary measure, allowing the patient to adapt to the change in teeth shape and how they meet.
Typically, after 3-6 months, if the patient tolerates the increased space between their teeth, these white fillings can be converted into crowns, and new dentures can be made. However, due to cost considerations, the patient chose to maintain the composite fillings, despite their vulnerability to fracture, discoloration, and chipping, particularly in individuals with grinding habits.
Outcome:

New dentures were created around the composite fillings.
The patient was highly satisfied with the results.
In this case, the patient's unique dental challenge required a creative approach. The initial step involved altering the occlusal vertical dimension to introduce space, and white fillings were used to change the shape of the teeth. While typically a temporary measure, the patient opted to maintain the composite fillings to manage costs. New dentures were designed around these composite fillings, and the patient was delighted with the outcome. This case underscores the importance of flexibility in treatment planning to accommodate the patient's needs and preferences.

Lab Credits :

Copyright © 2022 RIZ DENTOPEDIA.  All rights reserved.

bottom of page