Wedge-shaped defect - causes and signs of wedge-shaped defect

Types and stages of disease development

Types of wedge-shaped defect:

• wedge-shaped defect in the form of a gap;
• median wedge-shaped defect formed by two planes;
• deep wedge-shaped defect;
• single wedge-shaped defects;
• multiple wedge-shaped defects (more common).

There are four main stages of wedge-shaped defect development:

• initial stage – the presence of the defect is difficult to identify, since it is visually barely noticeable. The disease is asymptomatic;
• superficial stage – increase in the depth of the defect near the neck of the tooth to 0.1 mm;
• middle stage – a stronger increase in the size of the defect with its subsequent deepening into the enamel of the tooth to 0.3 mm;
• deep stage – reaching a “wedge” depth of 0.5 mm. At this stage, the defect reaches the dentin and pulp chamber.

According to another classification, the following stages of the disease are distinguished:

• rapid progression phase, which is characterized by rapid tissue loss within 2 months with the development of dentin hypertension;
• stabilization phase, which is characterized by a slowdown in the development of the disease. Not accompanied by hypertension.

Causes

The causes of wedge-shaped defect development are poorly understood. There are several theories as to the causes of its development:

• mechanical – the wedge-shaped defect is a consequence of traumatic influence on the neck of the tooth (brushing teeth);
• chemical – the wedge-shaped defect occurs as a result of the demineralizing influence of acids that are formed as a result of the fermentation process of food residues in the oral cavity.

The mechanical theory of the formation of a wedge-shaped defect is untenable, since this defect has been detected in people who do not brush their teeth and in some animals (cows, horses).

In addition to theories, the following causes of this defect are distinguished:

• endocrine diseases;
• diseases of the central nervous system;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• diseases of the oral cavities;
• age (more common in older and middle-aged people);
• drinking carbonated water;
• occlusion (bad bite);
• failure to observe oral hygiene rules;
• decreased ionized magnesium and calcium in the blood (in women);
• decreased bone mineral density.

Symptoms

Symptoms of wedge-shaped defect depend on the stage of the disease. The first and second stages of defect development are asymptomatic. At the second stage, the teeth may not have an aesthetic appearance.

Symptoms of the third and fourth stages of the disease:

• short-term, piercing pain;
• discomfort during eating;
• reaction of teeth to cold, hot, sour and sweet food;
• pain when brushing teeth;
• development of oral diseases (pulpitis);
• an unaesthetic appearance of teeth.

Diagnostics

Diagnostics of a wedge-shaped defect is carried out in two ways:

• by external manifestations, when the defect becomes visually pronounced. A wedge-shaped defect is characterized by the presence of an enamel defect, a V-shaped defect on the outer surface of the tooth, a smooth and polished surface of the affected tooth;
• in the presence of pain as a result of mechanical, temperature and chemical exposure.

A dentist can make an accurate diagnosis of the presence of a wedge-shaped defect.

When diagnosing a wedge-shaped defect, it is necessary to accurately exclude caries and other types of erosion of tooth enamel.

Treatment

Treatment of a wedge-shaped defect begins at an early stage. Treatment consists of eliminating the cause that caused this defect:

• application of ointments, varnishes, mineral solutions to the defective areas;
• prescribing desynthetic toothpastes.

To eliminate the defect itself, the dentist prescribes:

• a suitable toothbrush (the level of bristle hardness is determined);
• relevant recommendations;
• remineralizing therapy is carried out;
• closure of the defect with a filling, veneer, composite material or crown;
• bite correction (if the cause of the defect is in it).

In advanced cases, only one treatment option is possible - prosthetics.

Prevention

Prevention of wedge-shaped defect:

• maintaining oral hygiene;
• proper teeth brushing technique;
• use of fluoridated and calcined toothpastes;
• treatment of oral diseases;
• remineralizing dental therapy;
• treatment of somatic diseases of the body;
• elimination of malocclusion.