Clinic

Question 2

What are some of the other methods of moisture control?

Answer 2

1. Retraction
2. Cotton rolls
3. Triplex

Question 3

What is the pathogenesis of erosion?

Answer 3

1. Intrinsic acids from gastroesophageal reflux or extrinsic acids from diet, medication or other sources enter the oral cavity.
2. Acids wash away dental biofilm and the dental pellicle and land directly on the tooth surface.
3. Acids reduce the pH of the oral environment below the critical pH of HA (5.5) or FA (4.5) and cause demineralisation of enamel to form Ca & PO4 ions. Enamel rods are permanently shortened
4. As erosion occurs in an open system (as there is no biofilm to trap mineralisation products), mineralisation products are washed away or swallowed and there is no future potential for remineralisation.