By performing a comprehensive medical and dental history, using precise terms and concepts, and utilizing the Revised Schema of Pathodynamic Mechanisms, the dentist may successfully identify and treat the etiology of root surface lesions. Preventive measures may be instituted if the causative factors are detected and their modifying factors are considered.
Due to the stresses resulting from biomechanical loading forces exerted on the teeth (static, as in swallowing and clenching or cyclic, as in chewing), both enamel and dentin can chip or break away. This loss of tooth substance, which shall be termed Abfraction, is dependent on the magnitude, duration, direction, frequency, and location of the forces. These abfractive lesions are caused by flexure and ultimate material fatigue of susceptible teeth at locations away from the point of loading. Clinical observation of a variety of enamel and dentin lesions due to the shapes, sizes, loci, and frequency warrants a new and distinct classification.
A variety of unusual noncarious cervical lesions (NCL) are depicted that appear to negate W.D. Miller's toothbrush/dentifrice abrasion theory and demonstrate that other factors may be involved in their etiology. Confusion exists in the designation of NCL ever since G.V. Black stated in 1908 that toothbrush/dentifrice abrasion is an erosive effect. Since abrasion and erosion are two distinct activities, it is suggested that dentistry adopt the same terminology as chemical engineering in order to foster improved communication between the sciences. The term “abfraction” has been used to supplant erosion because it seems more appropriate when describing the loss of tooth substance attributable to effects of occlusal loading forces as well as the physiochemical breaking that occurs during stress corrosion. Numerous reasons, based on accepted engineering principles, indicate that NCL should be restored. It is incumbent on dentists to become cognizant of these reasons, since this would help them inform patients of the benefits to be gained by restoring such deficient areas.
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