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LEADERS IN NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY
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Michael Fisher, DDS | Fuji Dental Laboratory
Restoring a Severely Worn Dentition
Introduction
Evaluation
When viewed from the occlusal aspect, it can be seen that
Steve’s maxillary anterior teeth were severely worn not just vertically, but “hollowed out” even further into the dentin, leaving
very little coronal tooth structure to support crowns. Steve’s gingival and osseous health were excellent and his soft tissue proportions fit his smile line perfectly.
A diagnostic wax-up was performed to imagine the ideal length
and contours of Steve’s new teeth. Since osseous crown lengthening was not needed or appropriate, it was determined that
root canal therapy be performed in teeth #6-11, and bonded
posts and cores be placed to restore adequate coronal structure
to support all-ceramic crowns.
Steve is a 61-year old male who came to our office requesting we
‘fix’ his severely worn dentition. He said he knew he was a ‘grinder’
and was embarrassed about the way his teeth looked when he
talked or smiled. He had no predisposing health concerns and expressed a desire to keep his teeth for as long as possible.
Treatment
In a single appointment (6 hours, with an oral sedative) root
canal therapy was performed and bonded posts and cores
placed in Steve's upper anterior six teeth, then the remainder
of the upper arch was prepared for full coverage crowns. Deep
chamfer margins were prepared in anticipation of all-ceramic
restorations being fabricated. Final impressions were made with
Aquasil Ultra by Dentsply-Caulk.
14 NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY | www.northtexasdentistry.com