Rehabilitating vertical dimension loss due to bruxism:case report

• Published in: International dental journal 2024-10, Vol.74, p.S377-S377
• Main Authors: Alver, Özgül, Kurt, Aysegül, Dağ, Onur Doğan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0020-6539
• DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2024.07.518

Wear of the occlusal surfaces of teeth is a process that continues throughout life and can lead to loss of vertical dimension. This case report describes how we rehabilitated the vertical dimension to meet the aesthetic and functional expectations of a patient. A 73-year-old patient presented to our clinic with complaints of tooth wear and sensitivity. In the anamnesis, it was learned that the edentulous spaces were rehabilitated with removable partial dentures 7 years ago. Intraoral examination revealed widespread wear on the acrylic teeth of the patient's removable prosthesis and natural teeth due to bruxism, along with vertical dimension loss. The treatment plan consisted of crown lengthening of the upper anterior teeth followed by preparation of the remaining natural teeth according to the occlusal plane, replacement of the lower partial denture, and construction of metal-ceramic fixed prostheses. The teeth were prepared, and impressions were taken with type A silicone(Presigum, President). Metal and dentin try-ins of the fixed prostheses were performed and their final forms were cemented. In the next step, an alginate impression(Kromopan, Lascod) was taken for the lower removable denture. After framework and tooth try-ins, the prosthes were delivered to the patient. Due to root canal calcification, endodontic treatment and post were not applied. Implant treatment and zirconium substructure were not recommended for the treatment of edentulous cavities due to the financial possibilities of the patient. In this case, the loss of vertical dimension caused by tooth wear due to bruxism was compensated and lost function and aesthetics were restored.