title: Referrals of patients with tooth substance loss.
abstract: Tooth substance loss (TSL) and related problems appears to be increasing in incidence. Patients may request treatment for a variety or reasons, such as poor aesthetics of chipped and worn teeth, sensitivity and reduced masticatory function. The patient's dentist may suggest treatment because (s)he feels that the TSL is progressing and the dentition requires protection by the placement of restorations. This paper discusses the role of the general dental practitioner in the referral of patients with TSL, the importance of an examination and history taking for these patients, and a classification of TSL related to possible treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The experience of clinicians varies, so referral to another dentist may be appropriate if the patient's dental practitioner considers that (s)he may not be in a position to treat a patient's TSL.
authors.affiliation: Primary Dental Care Research Group, University of Birmingham School of Dentistry, St Chad's Queensway, Birmingham B4 6NN, UK.
authors.forename: F J Trevor
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Burke
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D014072:Tooth Abrasion / Q000175:diagnosis*; D019217:Tooth Attrition / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014077:Tooth Erosion / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014082:Tooth Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology