title: Scanning microscopy of cervical erosion.
abstract: The dentitions of 900 dentists were examined for the presence of cervical erosion. Of these, 48 individuals of 5.3% had obserable erosion. Silicone impressions were made of the eroded labial surfaces in a typical quadrant, and epoxy resin models were constructed. These were examined in the scanning electron microscope. Cross sections of the replicas were examined in the light microscopy. Of the 48 replicas (24 of the maxilla and 24 of the mandible), the most severe erosion was found on the first premolars in 62% of the individuals, on second premolars in 19% on cuspids in 12%, and on first molars in 6%. The margin of the defect toward the gingiva was level with or just below and parallel to the gingival crest. The erosion pattern was distinguished by two shapes--an angular lesion with a flattened floor associated with deep lesions (68%), and a rounded, smaller defect with no sharp interior angles and less tooth damage (32%). It is postulated that cervical erosion may result from two different mechanisms--a more common, destructive process, angular and deep; and a less severe, shallow process with rounded form.
mesh_terms: D003739:Dental Cementum / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003815:Dentists; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D014077:Tooth Erosion / Q000473:pathology*