Is It Normal to Grind Healthy Teeth When Fitting Dentures?

Fitting dentures requires grinding down natural teeth?

Hello, doctor.
Recently, I underwent root canal treatment and needed to get a dental prosthesis.
However, during the placement of the prosthesis, it seemed that there were occlusal issues that required adjustments to my teeth.
My dentist started to grind down the prosthesis, but unexpectedly, after placing the prosthesis, the dentist began to grind down the corresponding natural tooth above it.
I was taken aback and wondered why the natural tooth, which was fine, needed to be adjusted after getting the prosthesis, resulting in damage to the natural tooth above.
Is this a normal occurrence? Does the need to adjust the occlusion affect the condition of the natural teeth? Is this a typical situation when getting a dental prosthesis?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/22

Dr. Huang Tingfang reply Dentistry

Dear Anonymous,
Hello! Generally, it is not common to grind down opposing teeth unless they are very sharp and may cause wear on the lower prosthesis.
It is important to communicate more about this! Take care and I wish you all the best!
Sincerely,
Dr.
Huang Ting-Fang, Dentistry

Reply Date: 2020/08/22

More Info

When it comes to fitting dentures, particularly in the case of a dental bridge or crown, it is not uncommon for adjustments to be made to adjacent healthy teeth. However, this practice should be approached with caution and should ideally be minimized to preserve the integrity of the natural teeth.
In your situation, it sounds like your dentist was attempting to achieve a proper occlusion, which refers to the way your upper and lower teeth come together when you bite. If the alignment is off, it can lead to discomfort, uneven wear, or even damage to the teeth over time. Therefore, some adjustments may be necessary to ensure that the dental prosthesis fits well and functions correctly. However, the grinding or alteration of healthy teeth should be a last resort and should be done with the utmost care.

The concern you have about your healthy tooth being ground down is valid. Healthy teeth should ideally remain untouched unless absolutely necessary. The goal of any dental procedure, including the fitting of dentures, should be to preserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. If your dentist felt that grinding the healthy tooth was necessary, it would be important for them to explain the rationale behind this decision clearly.
In some cases, if the dental prosthesis is too high or if there are discrepancies in the bite, adjustments to the adjacent teeth might be required to create a harmonious bite. However, this should be done judiciously, and the dentist should ensure that the adjustments do not compromise the health of the adjacent teeth.
If you feel uncomfortable with the adjustments made to your healthy tooth, it is advisable to seek a second opinion from another dental professional. They can assess the situation and provide you with options that may not involve altering your healthy teeth.
Moreover, it is essential to maintain regular dental check-ups after receiving a dental prosthesis. This allows your dentist to monitor the condition of both the prosthesis and your natural teeth, ensuring that any issues are addressed promptly.
In summary, while some adjustments to healthy teeth may be necessary when fitting dentures, it is crucial that this is done with care and only when absolutely required. The preservation of natural teeth should always be a priority in dental care. If you have concerns about the treatment you received, do not hesitate to consult with another dentist for further evaluation and peace of mind.

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