Abfractions - Common?

All,

I went to the dentist yesterday for my 6 month...Male, 31 years old.

I've been noticing gaps between my teeth and gums along my bottom gumline
that I thought was normal recession...and decided to confirm with my dentist
during the visit. He looked closer, and told me that I have some
abfractions...probably because I clench my teeth.

I do clench my teeth sometimes, during stressful times....

He proposed making impressions of my teeth, studying my bite, then reshaping
certain areas that didnt fit together properly. He also mentioned that this
is relatively painless, and would make the teeth align more properly in case
I did continue to clench. He would then restore the abfractions with
resin...i should be good to go. I have noticed increased sensitivity in the
past few years - I'm hoping that this might relieve that problem somewhat.

For those of you who are knowledable...is this common? Should he have
noticed this sooner?

He made the comment yesterday that my teeth looked like they have worn, or
aged, 15 years beyond my actual age. That really shocked me! I would have
expected to hear about this sooner...but then again, I understand that I
have to do my part with pointing things out, questions, etc.

Any thoughts on the treatment? Commonality of this? Is he steering me in the
right direction?

Thanks!

Chris


.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Abfractions - Common?
    ... I went to the dentist yesterday for my 6 month...Male, ... I've been noticing gaps between my teeth and gums along my bottom gumline ... I do clench my teeth sometimes, ... You must address the cause of the abfraction which is clenching. ...
    (sci.med.dentistry)
  • Re: Abfractions - Common?
    ... Chris wrote: ... I went to the dentist yesterday for my 6 month...Male, ... I've been noticing gaps between my teeth and gums along my bottom gumline that I thought was normal recession...and decided to confirm with my dentist during the visit. ... and told me that I have some abfractions...probably because I clench my teeth. ...
    (sci.med.dentistry)
  • Re: Abfractions - Common?
    ... Oh, gosh, I had more fun with abfractions. ... I've been noticing gaps between my teeth and gums along my bottom ... I do clench my teeth sometimes, ... For those of you who are knowledable...is this common? ...
    (sci.med.dentistry)
  • Re: Wah! Im falling apart.
    ... I broke off a piece of one of my front teeth in my sleep last night. ... I got in to the dentist yesterday. ... Sept fourth I have an appointment with an orthodontist to make a mouth guard ...
    (alt.support.arthritis)
  • Re: Wah! Im falling apart.
    ... I broke off a piece of one of my front teeth in my sleep last night. ... I got in to the dentist yesterday. ... Sept fourth I have an appointment with an orthodontist to make a mouth guard ...
    (alt.support.arthritis)