Analysis of etiologic factors and periodontal conditions involved with 309 abfractions.
OBJECTIVE
Non-carious cervical lesions (NCCL), also termed abfractions, have long been thought to be produced by excessive brushing. Nearly 20 years ago an occlusal etiology was proffered (Lee & Eagle 1984). Controversy still exists concerning these two concepts. The present work was carried out to verify the occurrence of signs of excessive brushing or occlusal disturbances associated with abfractions.


METHODS
All first consultants were screened for the presence of abfractions during one trimester. NCCL were found in 61 patients who consequently received a thorough examination searching for clinical evidence of excessive brushing or occlusal disturbances. The presence of plaque, calculus, periodontitis, or mobility was also noted. Simple frequency and percentage were used to describe the occurrence of different clinical signs in association with the presence of abfractions.


RESULTS
Abfractions often exist in mouths presenting plaque (40.1%), calculus (41.7%), or periodontitis (20.4%). Ulceration of the gingiva is a rare finding (1.6%). However, subgingival apical limits were frequent (32.5%). NCCL coexist almost systematically with occlusal wear facets (94.5%). Lack of canine disclusion (77.2%) was also closely associated with the presence of abfractions. Conversely, mobility was seldom found (1.9%).


CONCLUSIONS
Clinical signs of excessive brushing were lacking, whereas signs of occlusal disturbance were very consistent with the presence of abfractions.
Miller
Neal
N
Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Nancy, France. neal.miller@odonto.uhp-nancy.fr
Penaud
Jacques
J
Ambrosini
Pascal
P
Bisson-Boutelliez
Catherine
C
Briançon
Serge
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003728:Dental Calculus / Q000150:complications; D003769:Dental Occlusion, Traumatic / Q000150:complications; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D005882:Gingival Diseases / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000150:complications; D008875:Middle Aged; D019226:Oral Ulcer / Q000150:complications; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000150:complications*; D014072:Tooth Abrasion / Q000209:etiology*; D019237:Tooth Cervix / Q000473:pathology*; D014077:Tooth Erosion / Q000209:etiology*; D014086:Tooth Mobility / Q000150:complications; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000009:adverse effects