Treatment planning for patients with tooth wear

Providing restorative dental care for patients with tooth wear can, at times, seem complex and demanding. The key to this process lies in a systematic approach that breaks down the component parts. In this chapter, the importance of a comprehensive assessment at the outset will be highlighted. This should include identification of the patient's chief complaint, taking a thorough history, completing the clinical examination, undertaking any special tests and arriving at clinical diagnoses. Together, this information will influence the treatment planning process, identify appropriate treatment concepts and options available and the individual stages that may be involved. The process should be both holistic and thorough to enable the patient and clinician to build a clear pathway and vision. In parallel, and with patient input throughout, it is essential to manage patient expectations as best as possible whilst remaining pragmatic and honest about treatment outcomes, longevity of restorations and the risks of failure.