Dentist New York,NY-Dr Lawrence Spindel Abfractions

 

Dental Abfractions                                                 Back

By  Lawrence Spindel, D.D.S.

What are dental abfractions and what should be done about them?

 Abfractions are errosive lesions found on the necks of individual teeth associated with continuing bone loss, gingival recession and errosion of tooth structure.  The cause is generally multifactorial but in part the lession is caused and aggravated by torquing forces place on a tooth by the teeth of the opposing jaw.  This force causes bending to take place at the neck of tooth, that results in bone loss, receeding gums and errosion.  Once the enamel covering of a tooth is lost for any reason the exposed dentin naturally errodes.  Tooth brushing, although necessary, can increase the rate of errosion .  One good solution for abfractions (toothbrush abrasion) is for a dentist to place  bonded composite restorations over the abfraction surfaces.  This effectively seals the abfraction and tends to limit the extent of further errosion.  The resultant restoration, not only prevents further deterioration, but also improves the appearance of the teeth.  Only minimal prepation of the abfraction defect is required, since it is only used to increase the retension of the bonding by placement of minute undercuts, that tend to keep the filling in place. 

 

Write Dr. Spindel: drspindel@lspindeldds.com