Gums may recede for any of several reasons,
including thin tissue, abnormal position of teeth in the dental arch;
malocclusion; inappropriate expansion orthodontics; heavy bite stress; and
periodontal disease.
Bone resorption is a common complication of
tooth removal—one which makes it challenging to replace the teeth esthetically.
Fortunately, dentistry has been at the forefront of development in bone
science, and offers several common techniques to avoid bone resorption and
reconstruct resorption defects. This animation illustrates removal of a lower
molar tooth, and the subsequent bone resorption which takes place. Pressure
resorption of an edentulous area is shown under a removable partial denture.
Compromised placement of a dental implant into an atrophic area of the mandible
is animated, and compared with a fixed bridge as a restorative option. Bone
resorption in the esthetic zone is then illustrated, showing the cosmetic
compromises which must be made if bone grafting is not undertaken prior to
restoring the edentulous area. Compromises in implant placement are shown.
Sinus pneumatization is animated, and sinus elevation is briefly mentioned as
an option. A block cortical graft is quickly shown, followed by placement of a
dental implant and restoration with a crown. The animation closes by showing a
socket graft to preserve alveolar bone following an extraction.
By some accounts, 80% of tooth decay begins
in the pits and fissures of teeth. Toothbrush bristles may not be able to
completely remove food from those areas. Dental sealants and fissurotomy
techniques may help protect against these types of cavities. This animation
opens by describing the epidemic nature of pit & fissure cavities, and the
impetus for their prevention. Pits and fissures are shown in cross-section, and
dissolution of tooth enamel in the inaccessible fissures is illustrated-
ultimately progressing to caries in dentin. Prophylactic odontotomy
(fissurotomy) is described as a potentially viable means of eliminating deep
fissures, along with use of microabrasion handpieces to debride the grooves.
Sealants are applied, stressing the importance of good moisture control.
Microleakage is discussed as a possible consequence of maintaining poor
moisture control during placement, followed by caries progression which may be
difficult to observe clinically. Finally, a failing sealant is shown, which
illustrates the most common problems associated with sealants.
