War of Attrition: Causes and Treatment for Dental Attrition
Here at Astoria Dental Group, we know there are many more problems than mere tooth decay and tooth damage. There are a whole host of issues that may affect the health and appearance of a person's smile. This is why we offer patients throughout Queens gthe latest in comprehensive general dentistry services, including treatments for more advanced dental problems.
Case in point is the way we address dental attrition. You may have not heard the term before, so let's take a moment to considers the problem and why we take it seriously.
What Is Dental Attrition?
Dental attrition is a form of tooth wear that occurs when teeth come into constant contact with one another. The issues generally stems from contact between teeth on opposite dental arches (i.e., the upper teeth and the lower teeth).
If left untreated, dental attrition can lead to loss of tooth structure, tooth pain, and a host of other dental health issues.
Causes of Dental Attrition
The most common cause of dental attrition is the long-term wear and tear on the teeth. The wear on the teeth will often appear on the cusps and ridges, with changes in shape occurring as the opposite teeth try to accommodate each other. Grinding of the teeth and poor dental alignment can both exacerbate the problem.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) and Dental Attrition
As just noted, teeth grinding can cause serious issues with attrition. Bruxism occurs when a patient is asleep and involves the gnashing, clenching, shifting, and clenching of the teeth and the jaw joint. This can wear away tooth structure, cause serious structural damage to a tooth, and also cause a number of problem to the jaw joint.
Signs and Symptoms of Dental Attrition
The most common signs and symptoms of dental attrition include the following:
- Loss of tooth structure
- Changes in tooth shape
- Tooth sensitivity
- Dental pain
- Discoloration of the teeth
- Changes in dental alignment
- Loose fillings and dental restorations
Treatments for the Damage Associated with Dental Attrition
When it comes to restoring lost or compromised tooth structure, the most common option to consider is the use of dental restorations. This is generally an initial stage of treatment for the condition in that the teeth can be fixed. A substantive solution to the primary issue of wear and tear will be determined during the consultation process.
Preventing Further Issues with Dental Attrition
When it comes to preventing the long-term damage dental attrition and truly addressing the problem, the ideal treatment options can vary. In many cases this will typically involve a combination of orthodontic treatment and carefully tailored treatment to address teeth grinding.
As with the above issues related to treating dental wear and tear, we can discuss your ideal treatment options in greater detail during a consultation at the practice.
Contact Astoria Dental Group
To learn more about dental attrition and how it can affect your dental health and wellness, be sure to contact Astoria Dental Group today. The team at our practice will help you have a healthy and beautiful smile that looks great and lasts for years to come.
