Dental Treatment Options For Dentin Dysplasia Type I
Dentin dysplasia is a rare genetic condition that affects the amount and health of dentin, the hard tissue that forms the vital core inside teeth. Dentin dysplasia type I is the more severe type because the tooth root is also affected. The roots are either short, damaged or entirely missing – all of which can cause serious problems with the adjoining teeth. What are your treatment options if you have dentin dysplasia type I? Here are two different multi-treatment approaches that can include both general and cosmetic dentistry.
Short Roots: Oral Health Care and Crowns
If the roots are present and healthy, but are shorter than average, it might be possible to preserve the existing teeth with oral health care and dental crowns. Proper oral healthcare involves brushing at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush that won't put too much pressure on your fragile dentin. Enamel-boosting fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash might be prescribed to keep that protective layer around the dentin as healthy as possible.
Dental crowns work in a similar manner as fillings. An artificial material is used to cover the outside of the tooth to protect everything inside from further damage. These methods aren't likely enough to help teeth with nearly or entirely absent tooth roots. You need that root stability to help hold the crowned tooth in place.
Missing Roots: Extraction and Bridges, Partial Dentures or Implants
Treatment becomes more complicated if the roots are missing entirely. It's difficult for a tooth to remain in place without a root so the affected teeth will likely either fall out on their own or require extraction by your dentist.
Leaving an empty gap in your mouth can also cause problems. Neighboring teeth can start to lean in towards that hole, which can cause problems with your bite. So your dentist will likely recommend replacement teeth in the form of bridges, partial dentures or dental implants.
Bridges involve suspending an artificial tooth between two crowns that are bonded to neighboring, sturdy teeth. A bridge can't be done if there aren't any stable teeth near the hole. In that case, a partial denture might be used. A partial involves a small grouping of artificial teeth on a plate that fits both over your gum and around the closest healthy teeth for stability.
Bridges and partials can both feel a bit unnatural, especially when chewing. The most natural-feeling option is dental implants, which involves implanting an artificial root into the jawbone and then snapping an artificial tooth over that root.
For more information, contact a local dentist like Walden Square Dental Care.