RESTORATIVE THERAPY FOR EROSIVE LESIONS

More needs to be learned about the etiology of erosion lesions before they can be accurately diagnosed, confidently treated and, more import antly, prevented. The treatment is dependent on the location and the d egree of erosion. The decision to treat an erosion lesion should be ba sed on careful consideration of the etiology and progression of the co ndition. Reasons for restoring noncarious enamel/dentin lesions are di scussed and various therapeutic measures are provided. Preventive and restorative therapeutic measures for noncarious abrasive/erosive lesio ns are proposed such as: a change of dietary or behavior patterns; app lication of desensitization products; intensive fluoride therapy with or without iontophoresis; brushing with desensitizing dentifrices; adh esive penetration with dentin bonding agents; glass ionomers and compo mers; resin composites; composite or porcelain veneers; crown and brid ge work; occlusal adjustments and nightguard fabrication if the abfrac tion factor coincides. The clinical durability of restorative therapy and important clinical factors related to the restoration of multifact orial defects are discussed.