Is It Normal to Grind Healthy Teeth When Fitting Dentures?

Fitting dentures, grinding 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 there were some occlusal issues that required adjustments to my teeth.
My dentist began to adjust the prosthesis, but unexpectedly, after placing the prosthesis, the dentist started to grind down the corresponding natural tooth above it.
I was taken aback and wondered why the natural tooth, which was not problematic, needed to be adjusted 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: 2020/08/24

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 everything!
Sincerely,
Dr.
Huang Ting-Fang, Dentistry

Reply Date: 2020/08/24

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 the surrounding healthy teeth. However, this practice should be approached with caution and should ideally be minimized to preserve the integrity of the natural teeth.

The primary reason for adjusting healthy teeth during the fitting of a denture or bridge is to ensure proper occlusion, which refers to the alignment of the upper and lower teeth when they come together. If the new denture or bridge does not align correctly with the existing teeth, it can lead to discomfort, uneven wear, and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues over time. Therefore, dentists may need to grind or reshape adjacent teeth to achieve a proper bite.

However, it is crucial to understand that grinding healthy teeth should not be a routine practice. Healthy teeth that do not have decay, periodontal disease, or other issues should be preserved as much as possible. If your dentist is grinding down healthy teeth, it is essential to communicate your concerns. A good dentist will explain the necessity of the adjustments and provide alternatives if possible.
In your case, if the dentist is grinding down a healthy tooth without a clear justification, it may be worth seeking a second opinion. There are various techniques and materials available that can help achieve proper occlusion without compromising the health of adjacent teeth. For instance, using a temporary crown or adjusting the bite with dental wax can sometimes resolve occlusion issues without the need for grinding.

Additionally, if the adjustments lead to a significant alteration in the structure of the healthy tooth, it could potentially lead to future complications, such as increased sensitivity, a higher risk of decay, or even the need for further dental work down the line. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that any adjustments made are absolutely necessary and that the long-term health of your teeth is prioritized.

In summary, while it may be necessary to adjust healthy teeth during the fitting of dentures or crowns to achieve proper occlusion, this should be done judiciously and only when absolutely required. If you feel uncomfortable with the adjustments being made, do not hesitate to discuss your concerns with your dentist or seek a second opinion. Your oral health is paramount, and preserving your natural teeth should always be a priority in any dental treatment plan.

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