Scanning electron microscope characterization of noncarious cervical lesions in human teeth

Abfraction is a theoretical process whereby occlusal forces create microfractures in enamel and dentin along the cervical area and predispose it to erosion and abrasion, forming noncarious cervical lesions. However, the theory is not yet proven. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of abfraction as an etiology of these lesions.

Ten human premolars with these lesions from 10 patients requiring tooth extraction, one tooth from each patient, were used in this study. After extractions, all teeth were stored in 10% formalin until required, then prepared routinely for scanning electron microscopy.

In all 10 teeth, at low magnification, noncarious cervical lesions appeared as crescent-shaped lesions. The upper edges of the lesions were on the enamel surfaces and their lower edges were on the cemental surfaces. In four teeth, the lesions showed evidence of microfractures characterized by the presence of fracture lines and fracture surfaces. In addition, in the first tooth of these teeth, the surface was also covered by a network of poorly fixed collagen fibers. In the third tooth, linear scratches, the openings of the dentinal tubules, a dentin matrix which consisted of a network of poorly fixed collagen fibers, and numerous dentinal tubules were also observed. In the remaining six teeth, they showed linear scratches, and the presence of the dentinal tubules or the exposed collagen fibers.

It appears that abrasion and erosion are associated etiologic factors in forming noncarious cervical lesions and an ultrastructural finding that supports the abfraction theory of these lesions is observed.