Non-carious cervical lesions: a scanning electron microscopic study.
BACKGROUND
Examining non-carious cervical lesions using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provides an opportunity to clarify their complex aetiology. This study aimed to examine the morphological forms of non-carious cervical lesions found within a sample of extracted human permanent anterior teeth using scanning electron microscopy.


METHODS
Five examples of non-carious cervical lesions from each of eight different morphologic categories were replicated and examined using scanning electron microscopy.


RESULTS
In total, 40 non-carious cervical lesions were examined at magnifications ranging from 10x to 2605x magnification. Qualitative ultrastructural features evident in the lesions were described and classified according to their appearance. A total of 13 different qualitative features were observed throughout the sample of NCCLs.


CONCLUSIONS
SEM highlighted a broad range of microscopic features of NCCLs, providing valuable insights into their complex, multifactorial aetiology.
Michael
J A
JA
School of Dentistry, The University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Kaidonis
J A
JA
Townsend
G C
GC
D003481:Cuspid / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003804:Dentin / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004853:Epoxy Resins; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010781:Photography; D016628:Replica Techniques; D014072:Tooth Abrasion / Q000473:pathology; D019237:Tooth Cervix / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D014077:Tooth Erosion / Q000473:pathology; D057085:Tooth Wear / Q000473:pathology*
D004853:Epoxy Resins