About Mark Bornfeld DDS Expertise I can respond to all questions dealing with the practice of dentistry, from both the dentist`s and patient`s perspective. I am knowledgeable about all dental disciplines, from cosmetic dentistry to surgery, from restorative dentistry to root canal treatment. I have strong opinions about controversial issues in dental practice, including those topics which directly impact on the reputation of the profession in the eyes of both the lay public and our health profession colleagues.
Experience
Past/Present Clients Editor, Queens County Academy of General Dentistry newsletter; contributor to Dentistry.com 29 years practicing general dentistry partnered with brother Steve as one-half of the DentalTwins®
Question HI AGAIN!!!!!!
SINCE THERE IS NO ONE 'correct' TREATMENT--THEN WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WERE IN THIS POSITION?(MONEY IS NOT A LIMITING FACTOR)
WHAT WOULD YOU ADVISE YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER TO DO?
DO YOU KNOW OF ANYONE WHO HAS SUCCESSFULLY TREATED BOTH CONDITIONS OF PARTIAL ANONDONTIA AND MICRODONTIA,WHEN THEY COEXIST?
WHAT EXACTLY ARE THE FUNCTIONAL DEFICITS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS
THANKS FOR YOUR GENUINE SINCERITY
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Followup To
Question -
Hi THERE!!!!!
CAN ANY COMPLICATIONS ARISE FROM TREATING A PERSON WITH PARTIAL ANONDONTIA AS WELL AS MICRODONTIA, WHERE BOTH "PRIMARY" and "BABY" TEETH ARE MIXED TOGETHER---IN AN ADULT MOUTH?
HAVE THESE CONDITIONS EVER BEEN SUCCESSFULLY TREATED BY ANY DENTIST--WHEN THEY OCCUR TOGETHER?
WHO HAS DONE THIS?
WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF ATTEMPTING TO TREAT THESE CONDITIONS WITH COSMETIC DENTISTRY AND PROSTHODINTICS?
SHOULD A ROOT CANAL BE ATTEMPTED WITH THESE CONDITIONS?WHY?
WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF A GENERAL DENTIST TREATING THESE CONDITIONS?ARE THEY RARE?SHOULD A SPECIALIST WITH EXPERIENCE BE UTILIZED?WHY?
THANKS FOR YOUR KIND HELP AND SINCERE ASSISTANCE
Answer -
Dear Fred,
Neither anodontia nor microdontia are disease states, and do not necessarily call for treatment. Nonetheless, the absence of teeth or dental morphological abnormalities such as microdontia can result in functional or cosmetic deficits which can be managed by conventional prosthetic and restorative dental treatment. Just what treatment is appropriate and the risks associated with that treatment would depend on the extent and nature of these two conditions, the functional and cosmetic ramifications of these conditions, and the personal preferences of both the patient and the doctor. There is no one "correct" treatment, so consequently, there can be no one correct answer to your questions. For example, any complications associated with the management of partial anodontia and microdontia would be subject to any of the potential adverse side-effects of the prosthetic or restorative treatment selected; this is not in any way unique to these conditions. Some dental treatment is successful, and some is not.
There is nothing inherent in either anodontia or microdontia that would necesarily contraindicate root canal treatment, but as is the case in the absence of these conditions, it would depend on the specifics of the situation. Likewise, most prosthetic and restorative treatment is well within the capabilities of the average general dentist, but some cases present difficulties that would warrant referral to a specialist. Most general dentists have the discretion to determine what types of treatment are within their capabilities and which are not, and will make specialty referral as they deem necessary.
Hope this helps...
Mark Bornfeld DDS
www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY
Answer Dear Fred,
Offhand, I do not know any dentist who has treated anodontia and microdontia simultaneously, but as I have stated, there is nothing in these conditions when taken individually that is in any way different from the types of situations that dentists encounter every day, and treat successfully.
When I speak of functional deficits, I refer to some loss of normal tooth function. Teeth are utilized in the course of chewing and speaking, as well as contributing to facial appearance. So a functional deficit would be any reduction of chewing, speaking, or cosmetic function which is normally provided by teeth.
Quite naturally, the appropriate course of action is for the person involved to go to his dentist for a thorough diagnostic session. A full assessment of need will point the way to an appropriate course of treatment.
