Do Dental Implants Require Grinding Down Healthy Teeth?

Is it necessary to grind down other teeth when installing dentures?

Hello, today I had a full porcelain fixed dental prosthesis installed at the dentist.
Initially, it was said that I could try it on, but after it was installed, I was told that the magnetic teeth were not suitable and it was already permanently bonded.
The installation was for two upper front teeth and the left front tooth, but when the doctor adjusted my bite, they ground something down.
When I got home and tried to eat, I felt a sharp sensation and realized that it seemed like my lower front tooth and side front tooth had been ground down.
Is this the correct medical procedure? Will grinding down my natural teeth cause any issues, such as damage to the enamel? Will the sharp sensation improve over time, or should I return to the dentist for further treatment? Thank you.

Min, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/11/09

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry

Hello, after getting fixed dentures, if you feel a prickling sensation while eating and notice that your opposing lower front teeth and canines are being worn down, it may be due to insufficient occlusal space.
If adjustments were made to slightly grind down the opposing teeth and you experience soreness or sensitivity during the process, you should return to your dentist for an examination.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2019/11/09

More Info

When it comes to dental implants and the potential need to grind down healthy teeth, it's essential to understand the implications of such procedures and the rationale behind them. Based on your description, it seems that there was an unexpected adjustment made during your dental procedure, which has raised concerns about the health of your natural teeth.

Firstly, grinding down healthy teeth is generally not a standard practice when placing dental implants. Implants are designed to replace missing teeth without affecting adjacent healthy teeth. However, in some cases, adjustments may be necessary to ensure proper alignment and occlusion (bite). If your dentist ground down your natural teeth to accommodate the implant or to adjust the bite, this should have been clearly communicated to you beforehand, as it can lead to potential complications.

The enamel, which is the outermost layer of your teeth, is the hardest substance in the human body, but it can still be damaged. Grinding down healthy teeth can lead to several issues, including increased sensitivity, a higher risk of cavities, and potential structural damage to the tooth. If you are experiencing a "sharp" or "tingling" sensation after the procedure, it could be a sign that the enamel has been compromised or that the underlying dentin is exposed, which is more sensitive than enamel.

Regarding your concerns about whether this situation will improve, it largely depends on the extent of the grinding and the condition of your teeth. If only a small amount of enamel was removed, you might experience temporary sensitivity that could improve over time. However, if significant enamel was lost, the sensitivity may persist, and you could be at a higher risk for dental issues in the future.

It is crucial to follow up with your dentist about these concerns. You should not hesitate to return to your dental office to discuss the adjustments made during your procedure. A good dentist will appreciate your feedback and will want to ensure that you are comfortable and satisfied with the treatment. They may recommend options to alleviate sensitivity, such as desensitizing toothpaste or fluoride treatments, and they can assess whether any further adjustments are necessary.

In summary, while dental implants should ideally not require grinding down healthy teeth, adjustments may sometimes be necessary. However, any such adjustments should be communicated clearly to the patient. If you are experiencing discomfort or sensitivity, it is essential to consult with your dentist as soon as possible to address these issues and ensure the long-term health of your teeth. Remember, maintaining open communication with your dental care provider is key to achieving the best outcomes for your oral health.

Similar Q&A

Is It Justifiable to Grind Healthy Enamel for Dental Implants?

I have received two dental implants, located at positions 27 and 47. After the dentist had already placed the implants, I was informed that the adjacent wisdom teeth would interfere with the placement of the abutments, so the enamel of the wisdom teeth needs to be ground down to ...

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry
Hello: Teeth are inherently consumable; even if they do not occlude throughout a lifetime, the enamel will experience mechanical wear on the adjacent surfaces due to physiological activities. Therefore, it is academically acceptable to reduce the tooth structure by up to 3mm for ...

Why Do Healthy Teeth Need to Be Altered for Dentures?

Hello, doctor. About a year ago, I had a root canal treatment on my right molar, but I didn't get a crown, and recently it fractured and fell out! Could you please explain why a missing tooth needs a prosthetic tooth, and why it is necessary to extract or grind down the two ...

Dr. Cao Guoqing reply Dentistry
Hello, Ammer: 1. Traditional dentures require the grinding down of healthy teeth for stabilization. 2. New removable dentures do not require the grinding of healthy teeth, are more affordable, and function adequately. 3. If financially feasible, dental implants are recommended as...

Does Grinding Healthy Upper Teeth for Braces Increase Cavity Risk?

Hello, doctor. Today I had a root canal treatment and returned for a follow-up to get a crown. The crown is for my lower teeth, but it feels too high, and the doctor said I need to grind down my upper teeth since my lower teeth are already too low to grind further. Will grinding ...

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry
Hello: Does grinding down healthy upper teeth increase the risk of cavities? Yes, it is indeed possible. Therefore, if it is not absolutely necessary, it is recommended to adjust the dentures rather than the opposing teeth.

Can Dental Implants Affect Healthy Teeth? Understanding Treatment Options

Hello, I have a dental implant that is too long and needs to be reduced, but the dentist filed it down too much, causing pain when I bite. Can this tooth still be treated? Will it recover? The dentist said I need a root canal treatment. Is that correct? However, my tooth is other...

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
If a tooth is experiencing sensitivity and requires a root canal, it is recommended to place a crown after the procedure to protect the tooth and prevent it from becoming brittle. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, Nantou Hospital.