Recommended Endodontic Dentist in Gangnam: Don’t Put Off Treating Tooth Wear Any Longer

Hello.

I am Ha-hyun, the chief director of The Star Dental Clinic in Gangnam.

I recently appeared on MBC <Good Day>,

where I had the opportunity to examine the case of

a senior patient with tooth wear.

Many people I meet in the treatment room

regard “teeth becoming shorter and worn down”

as nothing more than a natural aging process

and let it go.

However, if left untreated, it can lead to

much more extensive treatment than you might expect.

In this column, I would like to discuss why,

and how, tooth wear can eventually

lead to root canal treatment.

▲ “If tooth wear is left untreated, root canal treatment may eventually be necessary!” — Screenshot from MBC <Good Day>

Why Does Tooth Wear Occur?

The Star Dental Clinic in Gangnam: Root Canal Treatment

There are various causes of tooth wear.

These include unconsciously grinding your teeth during sleep,

improper toothbrushing habits,

tooth erosion caused by acidic foods and beverages,

and enamel wear that naturally progresses with age.

In many cases, several causes overlap.

The problem is that wear progresses gradually,

so people often do not notice it themselves.

By the time you notice that your teeth feel sensitive

or look shorter, the wear has usually

already progressed considerably.

▲ The condition of tooth wear identified through a 3D scan — Screenshot from MBC <Good Day>

In fact, the 3D scan data of the patient

who appeared on the program showed

considerable wear on both the upper and lower teeth.

If Left Untreated, the Nerve Can Eventually Be Damaged

The Star Dental Clinic in Gangnam: Root Canal Treatment

When the enamel covering the surface of a tooth wears away,

the dentin underneath becomes exposed,

which can cause sensitivity.

▲ Comparison of a healthy tooth and a worn tooth — “Once a tooth is damaged, it cannot be restored to its original condition” (Screenshot from MBC <Good Day>)

If the wear progresses further, the nerve inside the tooth

may be irritated or become exposed.

At this stage, the condition often goes beyond simple sensitivity,

causing pain and eventually making root canal treatment

unavoidable in many cases.

Once root canal treatment is required, the tooth’s natural strength

and lifespan may inevitably be significantly reduced.

That is why identifying and addressing tooth wear

early—before it becomes severe—is essential

for preserving your teeth for a long time.

Early Detection and Minimal Intervention Are the Answer

The Star Dental Clinic in Gangnam: Root Canal Treatment

If you suspect tooth wear, the first step is to undergo

a thorough examination to accurately determine

the cause and extent of the wear.

If teeth grinding is the cause,

wearing an appliance during sleep may be considered.

If there are areas where wear has progressed,

treatment that minimally reinforces only the areas that truly need it

should be considered first.

Once teeth wear away,

they do not grow back.

Ha-hyun, Chief Director of The Star Dental Clinic in Gangnam

Please do not dismiss it as “just a little sensitivity.”

Before it is too late,

I recommend receiving an accurate diagnosis.

In the next column, I will explain in detail

how worn and discolored teeth can actually be restored,

using a case of minimally prepared veneer treatment.

If you have any questions,

please feel free to contact our clinic at any time.

This has been Ha-hyun,

Chief Director of The Star Dental Clinic.

Thank you.