How much of a front tooth can you grind down?

Question

My tooth was repositioned, and due to blood and swelling of the impact the dr. said he couldn't push the tooth completely in or there was a chance of infection. So my tooth is a bit longer than the other front tooth and will be evened out in about two months. I have to let it heal more, but I was wondering how much of a tooth can be grinded down? I'm worried they wont be able to even it completely down to make it look even with the rest of the teeth. I say its longer by a 16th of an inch or so on one said, and the other side (not against the other front tooth) looks a bit longer but I think its because it went in crooked. Maybe an 8th of an inch, not sure. So how much is safe to grind down?

Answer 1

If it is your front tooth, you can grind it down a bit, but there are other alternatives. You can have composite resin added to the incisal edge of your other tooth to make them look more even. If your tooth is super-erupted (out of the gum tissue more than the rest of your teeth, usually from poor occlusion), however, it may look like a funny length no matter what. If there is significant tooth to be removed, that may enter the root canal (nerve) a root canal treatment can be done where they remove the nerve and then crown it or veneer it. The ladder option is very invasive and is most likely very expensive so if this is the only option that is offered, a second or even third opinion is a good idea. If you are concerned about whiter teeth, please make sure that you whiten prior to any restorative work done, the restorations will never change color.

Answer 2

You don't need to grind on your tooth! Go to a cosmetic dentist! They know b/c they went to school 4-8 years to get the degree! That is your best option and this is my final answer!

Answer 3

why was your tooth repositioned? Did it fall out or something?

Answer 4

No, just be patient. Please don't grind or file your teeth. If they're a little uneven, who cares?