Restorative & Materials · patient case question
Where is the erosive damage in this patient most evident, and what is the dentist's primary obligation?
Patient case: Erosion in a High-Acid Diet
demo: 27-year-old female
chief: “My back teeth feel notched and everything is sensitive.”
history: Consumes 5–7 whole lemons daily. Reports nocturnal bruxism. No reflux, no purging behavior.
meds: None
findings: Cupped, smooth, glossy defects on the occlusal surfaces of the posterior teeth with amalgam restorations standing proud of the surrounding enamel. Generalized dentin hypersensitivity.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Occlusally — the dentist must address the causative behavior, not only restore the defects
- A. Cervical erosion is more typical of abrasive brushing combined with acid; this presentation is occlusal.
- B. Incisal wear alone does not match the described posterior cupping.
- C. Interproximal surfaces are relatively protected from direct acid contact and are not the presenting site here.
- D. Correct. The combination of dietary acid and bruxism concentrates the loss occlusally, producing cupping with restorations standing proud. Restoring without changing the behavior guarantees recurrence.
Practice Restorative & Materials questions Restorative & Materials study notes