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Noncarious cervical lesions and abfractions: a re-evaluation
Luis A Litonjua1, Sebastiano Andreana, Peter J Bush
1Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, State University of New York at Buffalo 14214-3008, USA. laldmd@yahoo.com
Journal of the American Dental Association (1939)
|August 2, 2003
Summary
Abfraction lesions, theorized to stem from tooth stress, lack direct evidence. Further clinical trials are needed to understand the causes of noncarious cervical lesions.
Area of Science:
- Dental Research
- Biomechanics
- Clinical Dentistry
Background:
- The concept of abfraction, a dental condition, remains controversial.
- This review presents the fundamental basis of abfraction and examines existing literature.
- It addresses the genesis of the abfraction theory and related experimental and clinical evidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the scientific basis of abfraction theory.
- To review existing experimental and clinical evidence concerning abfraction.
- To investigate the role of occlusal loading in noncarious cervical lesions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data on masticatory forces and tooth material properties.
- Review of stress studies, experimental evidence, and case presentations.
- Examination of clinical investigations and restorative studies on abfraction.
Main Results:
- Abfraction theory relies on engineering analyses showing theoretical stress at cervical tooth areas.
- Recent stress studies present conflicting findings regarding abfraction.
- Few controlled studies link occlusal loading directly to abfraction lesions; clinical data suggest multifactorial causes for cervical lesions.
Conclusions:
- Limited direct evidence supports abfraction as the primary cause of noncarious cervical lesions.
- The etiology of noncarious cervical lesions appears multifactorial.
- Controlled clinical trials are essential to fully understand the causes of these lesions.