17/07/2026
Abfraction and Abrasion
Abfraction and abrasion are both non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs), but they differ in their underlying cause and clinical presentation.
Abfraction appears as a deep, wedge-shaped cervical defect with sharp internal angles. It has traditionally been attributed to occlusal stress and tooth flexure that concentrate forces at the cervical region. However, current evidence suggests that abfraction is likely multifactorial, with occlusal loading acting alongside other factors rather than being the sole cause.
Abrasion is caused by mechanical wear from external factors such as aggressive tooth brushing, abrasive toothpaste, improper brushing technique, or repetitive habits. These lesions are typically broad, shallow, smooth, and have rounded margins.
Accurate diagnosis requires correlating the lesion's appearance with the patient's clinical history, oral hygiene practices, occlusion, parafunctional habits, dietary factors, and overall risk profile, as multiple processes may coexist in the same patient.
š¹ Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only.
