Why did my family dentist Why did my family dentist reduce my teeth so much?reduce my teeth so much?

So you can chewSo you can chew

The tooth must be reduced in size to allow space for chewing with the new restoration.

Esthetics and Gingival HealthEsthetics and Gingival Health

The tooth is reduced to allow space for proper contour (esthetics and gingival health)

ContourHealth of the gums Esthetics

The tooth reduction in size is The tooth reduction in size is neededneeded

In the occlusal (chewing) surface to make space for the thickness of the material used in the crown. – Teeth are so sensitive when biting down

that even the thickness of a human hair can be felt between the teeth. So if teeth were not reduced you could not chew.

The tooth is reduced:The tooth is reduced:

To allow space so that the tooth can be esthetic looking and have proper contacts (space between the teeth).

The tooth is reduced:The tooth is reduced:

Tooth contour is also very important to maintain your gums healthy.

The tooth is reduced:The tooth is reduced:

For contour

Tooth PreparationTooth Preparation

During Tooth preppingDuring Tooth prepping

EnamelTubules Pulp (nerve)

Enamel is removed Dentin is exposed

The dentin (inner layer) is more sensitive because it is connected to

the pulp (nerve).

The Dentin is exposedThe Dentin is exposed

During tooth preparation for a During tooth preparation for a crown, the chance for crown, the chance for

damage to the pulp exists. damage to the pulp exists.

It is not uncommon to develop mild pulpal symptoms (e.g., Sensitivity to cold and hot that disappears when the stimulant is removed), this situation is usually transient.

During tooth preparation, the chance During tooth preparation, the chance

for damage to the pulp existsfor damage to the pulp exists..

Usually the pulp produces dentin to protect itself and the nerve continues to be healthy. No treatment is indicated in these situations unless or until symptoms worsen or become intolerable.

My tooth still HurtsMy tooth still Hurts

My dentist placed a cap the tooth developed lingering pain and now I need a root canal

OccasionallyOccasionally

The pulp does not recuperate and it becomes inflamed (irritated) or sometimes infected

thenthen

You can develop symptoms such as unprovoked pain, throbbing that interrupts sleep, or pain that lingers after the stimulus is removed.

Endodontic Therapy is then Endodontic Therapy is then neededneeded

These symptoms are more ominous and suggest irreversible pulpitis. Endodontic therapy is then indicated.