Attrition, abrasion, corrosion and abfraction revisited: a new perspective on tooth surface lesions.
BACKGROUND
The authors propose updated and revised nomenclature, definitions and classification for tooth surface lesions. Their objective is standardization, clarity and clinical utility for the dental practitioner. The article presents a schema of the pathodynamic mechanisms in the formation of tooth surface lesions--three basic physical and chemical mechanisms, their interactions and their dental manifestations.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of precise definitions will assist the practitioner in determining the etiology of various tooth surface lesions. Understanding the pathodynamic mechanisms and their many possible interactions, as set forth in the schema, will enable the practitioner to make an accurate differential diagnosis and to provide effective prevention and treatment. It also will assist dentists in communicating more effectively with their colleagues as well as with their patients. In addition, the schema helps identify areas in which future research is indicated.
Grippo
John O
JO
Biomedical Engineering Department, Western New England College, Springfield, Mass, USA. Meadownet@aol.com
Simring
Marvin
M
Schreiner
Steven
S
D001732:Bite Force; D003343:Corrosion; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000473:pathology; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D017276:Friction; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D014072:Tooth Abrasion / Q000145:classification* / Q000209:etiology; D019217:Tooth Attrition / Q000145:classification* / Q000209:etiology; D019237:Tooth Cervix / Q000473:pathology; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000209:etiology; D014077:Tooth Erosion / Q000145:classification* / Q000209:etiology