Restoring erosion associated with gastroesophageal reflux using direct resins: case report

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where stomach acids are chronically regurgitated into the esophagus and oral cavity, resulting in pathology, such as esophagitis, varices or ulcers. Continual exposure of the teeth to these acids can also cause severe dental erosion. This condition frequently is asymptomatic, and the only evident sign may be the irreversible erosion of tooth structure. The dentist often is the first health care professional to identify the affected dentition. Knowledge of this cause and effect relationship between GERD and dental erosion will better prepare the practitioner to refer patients for appropriate diagnosis and treatment of the underlying medical condition and provide treatment for the affected teeth. This article presents a case report where dental erosion was present due to GERD. After management of the disease with medication, dental treatment of the eroded dentition is described, including diagnosis, treatment planning and restorative reconstruction.