Toothwear (attrition + abfraction)

Question 1

what is the clinical appearance of attrition?

Answer 1

• wear facets
• loss of crown height
• surface meet precisely
• Enamel + dentine wear AT THE SAME TIME

Question 2

name some factors which lead to attrition (aetiology)

Answer 2

• Tooth clenching/ grinding (bruxism)
• normal tear and function as a result of hard food
• recreational drugs and antidepressants use
• MDMA
• SSRIs
• Lack of posterior support (leading to front teeth taking more force than usual)

Question 3

What is the definition of Attrition?

Answer 3

Tooth wear caused by tooth to tooth contact

Question 4

define abfraction?

Answer 4

The deep V-shaped notches we see on gingival margins

Question 5

What is the aetiological theory behind abfraction formation?

Answer 5

• thought to be caused by occlusal forces either by normal or parafunctional activities
• Excessive occlusal forces cause the tooth to flex
• Flex occurs mostly in the cervical region of the tooth
• combination and alternation between compressive and tensile forces lead enamel load to breakdown
• leading dentine in the area predisposed to erosion

Question 6

where can the abfraction be found?

Answer 6

• in areas where it is unlikely to be touched by the toothbrush
• e.g. most cervical parts of the tooth that extends to subgingival regions