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Review
. 2013 May;17(2):222-7.
doi: 10.4103/0973-029X.119788.

Abfraction: A review

Gargi S Sarode  1 , Sachin C Sarode
Affiliations
Review

Abfraction: A review

Gargi S Sarode et al. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2013 May.

Abstract

Abfraction (AF) is the pathological loss of tooth substance caused by biomechanical loading forces that result in flexure and failure of enamel and dentin at a location away from the loading. The theory of AF is based primarily on engineering analyses that demonstrate theoretical stress concentration at the cervical areas of the teeth. However, the theory is not yet proven and there are explanations against it. AF lesions present primarily at the cervical region of the dentition and are typically wedge-shaped, with sharp internal and external line angles. Diagnosis of AF plays a very important role in the management of patients. The aim of the present narrative review is to comprehensively discuss the historical, etiopathogenetic, clinical, and diagnostic and treatment aspects of AF.

Keywords: Abfraction; non-carious cervical lesion; pathogenesis; regressive alteration of teeth.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Normally directed occlusal forces on the mandibular molar showing no changes in the cervical region
Figure 2
Figure 2
Etiopathogenesis of abfraction
Figure 3
Figure 3
Abfraction showing various degrees of severity
Figure 4
Figure 4
Tooth Wear Index proposed by Smith and Knight
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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