Also known as abfractions, non-carious cervical lesions are a type of tooth wear commonly resulting from physical pressure from biting and chewing.
What causes non-carious cervical lesions?
Abfractions result from a loss of tooth structure near the gumline. Stresses from biting and chewing can cause tooth flexure, weakening the enamel and dentin over time. Risk factors include occlusal stress from misaligned bites, gum recession, and even toothbrush abrasion from aggressive brushing.
Unlike dental erosion, abfractions stem from mechanical stress, not acids.
What symptoms do cervical lesions cause?
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Wedge-shaped notches at the tooth surface near your gums
- Gum recession
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or touch
Some may feel no symptoms at all until the damage progresses to a high enough degree.
Should you fill abfraction lesions?
Depending on the severity of the lesions, you may need fillings; otherwise, small legions may only need monitoring. Deeper lesions may benefit from restorative dentistry, like composite resins, to restore the tooth surface and reduce its sensitivity.
What is the difference between abfraction and abrasion lesions?
Abfraction is caused by occlusal stress and tooth flexure, leading to loss of tooth structure from biomechanical forces.
Abrasion, on the other hand, comes from physical wear, such as toothbrush abrasion or abrasive toothpaste.
Both affect enamel, but their origins differ.
Is abfraction serious?
It isn’t life-threatening, but if left untreated, it can lead to further loss of enamel and dentin and cause further sensitivity, cracks, and dental problems.
What is the treatment for abfraction?
There are various treatments, including:
- Composite resins
- Orthodontic treatment for correcting bite alignment
- Adjustments to ease occlusal forces
- Gentler brushing
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