Noncarious dental "abfraction" lesions in an aging population.

A new classification for noncarious dental lesions has evolved from the dental literature. The name given to these lesions, dental "abfractions," is a theory propounding tooth fatigue, flexure, and deformation through biomechanical loading of tooth structure, primarily at the cervical regions of the dentition. These lesions are typically wedge shaped with sharp line angles, but occlusal abfractions have been observed as circular invaginations. Dental abfractions can occur alone and are sometimes associated with toothbrush abrasion and erosion from endogenous or exogenous acids. Treatment consists of the application of composite resin or glass-ionomer cement restorations and/or the discontinuance of the etiology of these lesions. If esthetics are not a primary concern of the patient and the tooth is not structurally compromised, many of these lesions can be observed, provided that the patient is informed that bruxism or malocclusion problems exist.