Is It Normal to Grind Healthy Teeth When Fitting Dentures?

Getting dentures, grinding down natural teeth?

Hello Doctor, I recently underwent root canal treatment and now need to get a dental prosthesis.
However, during the placement of the prosthesis, it seems that there were some adjustments needed due to occlusion issues.
My dentist began to adjust the prosthesis, but unexpectedly started to grind down the corresponding natural tooth above the prosthesis.
I was taken aback and wondered why the natural tooth, which was fine, needed to be ground down after placing the prosthesis, resulting in damage to the natural tooth.
Is this a normal occurrence? Does the need to adjust the occlusion affect the condition of the natural teeth? Is this a common practice when fitting a dental prosthesis?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/23

Dr. Huang Tingfang reply Dentistry

Dear Anonymous,
Hello! Generally, we do not grind down opposing teeth unless they are very sharp and may cause wear on the lower prosthetic teeth.
Communication is key! Take care and wishing you all the best!
Sincerely,
Dr.
Huang Ting-Fang, Dentistry

Reply Date: 2020/08/23

More Info

When fitting dentures, particularly in the case of a dental bridge, it is not uncommon for dentists to make adjustments to the surrounding healthy teeth to ensure proper alignment and occlusion. However, this practice can raise concerns, especially when it involves grinding down healthy teeth that do not have any existing issues such as decay or periodontal disease.

In your situation, it appears that your dentist was attempting to achieve a proper bite relationship between the new denture and your existing teeth. This is crucial because if the occlusion is not correct, it can lead to discomfort, uneven wear, and even further dental issues down the line. However, the grinding of healthy teeth should be approached with caution. Ideally, dentists should only modify teeth that require adjustment to achieve a proper fit and function of the dental prosthesis.

The necessity to grind healthy teeth can arise from several factors, including:
1. Occlusal Adjustment: When a new denture or bridge is placed, it is essential to ensure that the bite is balanced. If the new prosthetic does not align properly with the opposing teeth, it can lead to excessive pressure on certain teeth, which may cause pain or damage over time.

2. Space Constraints: Sometimes, the space available for the denture may require adjustments to the adjacent teeth to create a suitable fit. This is particularly true in cases where the dental arch has undergone changes due to tooth loss or shifting.

3. Alignment Issues: If the existing teeth are misaligned, the dentist may need to adjust them to ensure that the new denture functions correctly. However, this should be done judiciously, and every effort should be made to preserve healthy tooth structure.

4. Material Considerations: The type of material used for the denture can also influence the need for adjustments. For instance, if the denture is made from a material that is more prone to wear or breakage, the dentist may opt to adjust the natural teeth to minimize the risk of damage.

While it is not uncommon for adjustments to be made, it is essential that these modifications are justified and necessary. If you feel that the grinding of your healthy teeth was excessive or unwarranted, it is advisable to seek a second opinion from another dental professional. They can assess the situation and determine whether the adjustments made were appropriate and if any further action is needed to protect your dental health.

In conclusion, while some adjustments to healthy teeth may be necessary during the fitting of dentures, it is crucial that this practice is approached with care. The goal should always be to maintain as much healthy tooth structure as possible while ensuring that the new prosthetic functions correctly. If you have concerns about the treatment you received, do not hesitate to discuss them with your dentist or seek a second opinion. Your dental health is paramount, and you deserve to feel confident in the care you receive.

Similar Q&A

Is It Normal to Grind Healthy Teeth When Fitting Dentures?

Hello Doctor, I recently underwent root canal treatment and now need to get a dental prosthesis. However, during the placement of the prosthesis, it seems there were some occlusal issues that required adjustments to my teeth. My dentist began to adjust the prosthesis, but unexpec...

Dr. Huang Tingfang reply Dentistry
Dear Anonymous, Hello! Generally, it is not advisable to grind down teeth unless they are very sharp and may cause wear on the underlying dentures. It can indeed wear down the natural teeth! Let's communicate more and take care! Wishing you peace and smooth sailing in ever...

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.

Should You Get Dentures to Prevent Cavities? Expert Advice on Dental Health

I would like to ask the doctor, since some of my front teeth have cavities that are dark, some have spots of demineralization, and some have surfaces that are not very smooth, would you recommend grinding down the original teeth to make dentures? Besides aesthetics, will dentures...

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry
Hello: If the current extent of tooth decay is minimal and has not yet compromised the structure or function of the tooth, it is recommended to simply remove the decay without sacrificing healthy tooth structure for the purpose of creating dentures. Artificial dentures cannot com...

Is It Worth Grinding Natural Teeth for Dentures?

Can natural teeth be filed down? Is it worth filing down natural teeth to make room for dentures?

Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello, in order to place braces or crowns, it is necessary to prepare the natural teeth by reducing them by one millimeter, which does not affect the health of the natural teeth. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Huang Chih-Cheng, Director of Dentistry, Taoyuan General...