[Restoration of pathological tooth wear]

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Restorative Dentistry
• Dental Biomaterials

Background:

• Pathological tooth wear presents complex challenges in diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Patient-centered care, including motivation and understanding of aetiological factors, is fundamental.
• Minimally invasive treatment strategies are preferred for managing dental hard tissue loss.

Observation:

• Two cases of severe tooth wear in young adults are presented, highlighting varied symptoms from functional issues and aesthetic concerns to pain.
• One patient experienced significant hard dental tissue degradation, while the other presented with frequent pain and a deep bite.
• Both cases underscore the need for a thorough diagnostic process to identify and address the causes of tooth wear.

Findings:

• Effective management involves identifying and eliminating aetiological factors, alongside ensuring patient motivation.
• Dynamic treatment plans, particularly when indirect restorations are not indicated, allow for testing new spatial relationships using composite materials.
• The Dahl Concept may be considered for localized dental tissue loss, emphasizing a tailored approach.

Implications:

• The presented cases highlight the critical importance of evaluating treatment outcomes and the necessity of long-term follow-up.
• Continuous monitoring enhances knowledge and experience in interpreting the aetiology and management of severe tooth wear.
• A dynamic, minimally invasive approach, coupled with diligent follow-up, is essential for successful long-term management of pathological tooth wear.