Back to DPA Annual Conference 2026 - Shifting Perception
Session
Tooth Wear Management: Navigating Treatment Pathways in the Severely Worn Dentition
Fri, 23 Oct 2026 at 09:30
- 10:14
About this session
Tooth wear is an increasingly encountered clinical challenge, ranging from physiological age-related changes to pathological loss of tooth structure that may significantly compromise aesthetics, function, occlusal stability and long-term restorative prognosis. Successful management requires more than simply replacing lost tooth structure; it requires identification of the underlying aetiology, assessment of disease activity and careful evaluation of the remaining dentition before treatment is initiated.
This presentation will provide a practical, clinically orientated approach to the diagnosis, monitoring, prevention and management of tooth wear. Particular emphasis will be placed on recognising the patterns and multifactorial aetiology of wear, evaluating the remaining tooth structure, assessing changes in the occlusion and vertical dimension, and identifying associated temporomandibular joint considerations. The presentation will explore treatment planning principles for the worn dentition, including the selection of an appropriate occlusal position, the role of diagnostic wax-ups and clinical mock-ups, determining when an alteration in the occlusal vertical dimension is indicated, and the appropriate use of occlusal appliance therapy. Contemporary restorative approaches ranging from additive direct techniques to indirect restorations and more comprehensive prosthodontic rehabilitation will be discussed. Multiple case-based discussions will demonstrate how the severity, distribution and aetiology of tooth wear influence clinical decision-making.
Particular attention will be given to distinguishing cases that can be predictably managed within general dental practice from those requiring multidisciplinary or specialist intervention. The presentation concludes with a practical treatment-planning framework: “Navigating Treatment Pathways in the Severely Worn Dentition – From Root to Implant Solutions.” This will guide clinicians through the progression from prevention and preservation of the natural dentition to complex restorative and, where indicated, implant-supported solutions.
The overall objective is to provide clinicians with a structured pathway from diagnosis to treatment planning, enabling appropriate intervention, monitoring and timely specialist referral.
Warren E. Farao BChD, PgDip Minor Oral Surgery, MChD (Prosthodontics), FCD(Pros) Specialist Prosthodontist
This presentation will provide a practical, clinically orientated approach to the diagnosis, monitoring, prevention and management of tooth wear. Particular emphasis will be placed on recognising the patterns and multifactorial aetiology of wear, evaluating the remaining tooth structure, assessing changes in the occlusion and vertical dimension, and identifying associated temporomandibular joint considerations. The presentation will explore treatment planning principles for the worn dentition, including the selection of an appropriate occlusal position, the role of diagnostic wax-ups and clinical mock-ups, determining when an alteration in the occlusal vertical dimension is indicated, and the appropriate use of occlusal appliance therapy. Contemporary restorative approaches ranging from additive direct techniques to indirect restorations and more comprehensive prosthodontic rehabilitation will be discussed. Multiple case-based discussions will demonstrate how the severity, distribution and aetiology of tooth wear influence clinical decision-making.
Particular attention will be given to distinguishing cases that can be predictably managed within general dental practice from those requiring multidisciplinary or specialist intervention. The presentation concludes with a practical treatment-planning framework: “Navigating Treatment Pathways in the Severely Worn Dentition – From Root to Implant Solutions.” This will guide clinicians through the progression from prevention and preservation of the natural dentition to complex restorative and, where indicated, implant-supported solutions.
The overall objective is to provide clinicians with a structured pathway from diagnosis to treatment planning, enabling appropriate intervention, monitoring and timely specialist referral.
Warren E. Farao BChD, PgDip Minor Oral Surgery, MChD (Prosthodontics), FCD(Pros) Specialist Prosthodontist
