Abfraction: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 21:11, 11 February 2025

Loss of tooth structure from mechanical forces

Abfraction is a theoretical concept in dentistry that describes the loss of tooth structure, particularly at the cervical areas of teeth, due to mechanical forces. This phenomenon is believed to occur as a result of occlusal forces that cause flexure and stress concentration at the cervical regions of the teeth, leading to enamel and dentin loss.

Mechanism

Abfraction is thought to occur when occlusal forces, such as those from chewing or bruxism, create stress concentrations at the cervical areas of the teeth. These forces cause the tooth to flex, leading to microfractures in the enamel and dentin. Over time, these microfractures can result in the loss of tooth structure, forming characteristic wedge-shaped defects.

Clinical Presentation

Abfraction lesions typically appear as wedge-shaped notches at the cervical areas of the teeth, near the gingival margin. These lesions are often found on the buccal or facial surfaces of the teeth and can vary in depth and width. They may be accompanied by tooth sensitivity due to the exposure of dentin.

Differential Diagnosis

Abfraction should be differentiated from other types of non-carious cervical lesions, such as:

Abrasion: Loss of tooth structure due to mechanical wear, often from aggressive tooth brushing.
Erosion: Loss of tooth structure due to chemical processes, such as exposure to acidic substances.

Management

The management of abfraction lesions involves addressing the underlying occlusal forces and restoring the lost tooth structure. Treatment options may include:

Occlusal adjustment to reduce excessive forces on the affected teeth.
Use of night guards to prevent damage from bruxism.
Restorative procedures, such as composite resin fillings, to restore the lost tooth structure and protect the dentin.

Related pages

Gallery

$Abfraction lesion on a tooth$

Abfraction lesion on a tooth
Example of a cervical lesion
$Close-up of an abfraction lesion$

Close-up of an abfraction lesion

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-{{Short description|Loss of tooth structure from flexural forces}}
+{{Short description|Loss of tooth structure from mechanical forces}}
-{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
+{{Tooth anatomy}}
-'''Abfraction''' is a theoretical concept in dentistry that describes the loss of tooth structure, particularly at the cervical areas of teeth, due to biomechanical loading forces. These forces cause flexure and ultimately lead to the breaking away of hard tissue. Abfraction is considered one of the [[non-carious cervical lesions]] (NCCLs), which also include [[abrasion (dental)|abrasion]] and [[erosion (dental)|erosion]].
+'''Abfraction''' is a theoretical concept in dentistry that describes the loss of tooth structure, particularly at the cervical areas of teeth, due to mechanical forces. This phenomenon is believed to occur as a result of [[occlusal]] forces that cause flexure and stress concentration at the cervical regions of the teeth, leading to [[enamel]] and [[dentin]] loss.
 ==Mechanism==
-Abfraction is believed to occur when occlusal forces, such as those from [[bruxism]] or [[malocclusion]], create stress concentrations at the cervical areas of teeth. These stresses lead to microfractures in the enamel and dentin, eventually resulting in the loss of tooth structure. The lesions are typically wedge-shaped and occur at the gum line.
+Abfraction is thought to occur when occlusal forces, such as those from [[chewing]] or [[bruxism]], create stress concentrations at the cervical areas of the teeth. These forces cause the tooth to flex, leading to microfractures in the enamel and dentin. Over time, these microfractures can result in the loss of tooth structure, forming characteristic wedge-shaped defects.
 ==Clinical Presentation==
-Abfraction lesions are characterized by their distinct shape and location. They are usually:
+Abfraction lesions typically appear as wedge-shaped notches at the cervical areas of the teeth, near the [[gingival margin]]. These lesions are often found on the [[buccal]] or [[facial]] surfaces of the teeth and can vary in depth and width. They may be accompanied by [[tooth sensitivity]] due to the exposure of dentin.
-* Wedge-shaped
-* Located at the cervical area of the tooth, near the gum line
-* Found on the buccal or facial surfaces of teeth
-These lesions can be sensitive to thermal stimuli and may lead to [[dentin hypersensitivity]].
+==Differential Diagnosis==
+Abfraction should be differentiated from other types of non-carious cervical lesions, such as:
+* [[Abrasion (dental)|Abrasion]]: Loss of tooth structure due to mechanical wear, often from aggressive tooth brushing.
+* [[Erosion (dental)|Erosion]]: Loss of tooth structure due to chemical processes, such as exposure to acidic substances.
-==Diagnosis==
+==Management==
-Diagnosing abfraction involves a thorough clinical examination and consideration of the patient's dental history. Dentists look for the characteristic shape and location of the lesions and assess the patient's occlusion and habits such as bruxism. Differential diagnosis is important to distinguish abfraction from other NCCLs like abrasion and erosion.
+The management of abfraction lesions involves addressing the underlying occlusal forces and restoring the lost tooth structure. Treatment options may include:
+* Occlusal adjustment to reduce excessive forces on the affected teeth.
-==Treatment==
+* Use of [[night guard]]s to prevent damage from bruxism.
-Treatment of abfraction lesions focuses on managing the underlying causes and restoring the lost tooth structure. Approaches may include:
+* Restorative procedures, such as [[composite resin]] fillings, to restore the lost tooth structure and protect the dentin.
-* Occlusal adjustment to reduce excessive forces
-* Use of [[night guard]]s to prevent bruxism
-* Restorative procedures, such as composite resin fillings, to restore the tooth's shape and function
-==Prevention==
-Preventive measures for abfraction involve addressing the factors that contribute to excessive occlusal forces. This can include:
-* Regular dental check-ups to monitor occlusion
-* Use of protective appliances like night guards
-* Stress management techniques to reduce bruxism
 ==Related pages==
 * [[Tooth wear]]
 * [[Bruxism]]
-* [[Dental erosion]]
+* [[Occlusion (dentistry)]]
-* [[Dental abrasion]]
+* [[Tooth sensitivity]]
 ==Gallery==
 <gallery>
 File:Abfraction.jpg|Abfraction lesion on a tooth
-File:Dental_abrasion_klinovidny_de207.jpg|Example of dental abrasion
+File:Dental_abrasion_klinovidny_de207.jpg|Example of a cervical lesion
 File:Abfraction_lesion_final.jpg|Close-up of an abfraction lesion
 </gallery>