Definition and Causes of Abfraction
- Abfraction is a form of non-carious tooth tissue loss that occurs along the gingival margin.
- It is a mechanical loss of tooth structure and is not caused by tooth decay.
- Abfraction lesions occur in the region of greatest tensile stress and can appear as wedge, saucer, or mixed patterns.
- The main causes of abfraction are forces on the tooth from chewing and swallowing, stress concentration and flexion at the cementoenamel junction (CEJ), occlusal forces, non-ideal bite, and incorrect restorations.

Signs and Symptoms of Abfraction
- Abfraction lesions can occur above or below the CEJ and can lead to tooth sensitivity.
- Dentine and cementum are exposed due to the lesions.

Treatment of Abfraction
- Treatment depends on the level of activity and progression of the lesion.
- Monitoring at regular intervals is sufficient for small lesions.
- Dental restoration (white filling) may be necessary for aesthetic or clinical concerns.
- Other causative factors should be addressed and removed.
- Adjustments to biting surfaces can redirect occlusal load and relieve stress.

Controversy and Future Research on Abfraction
- Abfraction has been controversial since its creation in 1991 and is often confused with abrasion or erosion.
- Some researchers consider abfraction a multifactorial lesion, while others suggest tooth flexion as the only factor.
- More research is needed to resolve the controversy surrounding abfraction.
- Advances in imaging techniques and biomechanical modeling can provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of abfraction.
- Long-term clinical studies are necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of different treatment approaches for abfraction.

Related Concepts
- Tooth wear, abrasion, attrition, bruxism, and erosion are related concepts to abfraction.

Abfraction (Wikipedia)

Abfraction is a theoretical concept explaining a loss of tooth structure not caused by tooth decay (non-carious cervical lesions). It is suggested that these lesions are caused by forces placed on the teeth during biting, eating, chewing and grinding; the enamel, especially at the cementoenamel junction (CEJ), undergoes large amounts of stress, causing micro fractures and tooth tissue loss. Abfraction appears to be a modern condition, with examples of non-carious cervical lesions in the archaeological record typically caused by other factors.