Non-carious cervical tooth surface loss: A literature review

Abstract 

Objectives

As the population ages and teeth are increasingly retained for life the incidence of non-carious cervical tooth surface loss is increasing but little is understood about the aetiology and management of these lesions. The purpose of this literature review was to review and critically appraise the literature as it relates to the prevalence, aetiology and treatment of non-carious cervical tooth surface loss.

Search strategy

An electronic search, using OVID electronic bibliographic databases was performed with no restriction on the language of publication.

Conclusions

Despite the paucity of research into non-carious cervical tooth surface loss it was concluded that the number and size of lesions increases with age, lesions are more common on the facial aspects of teeth and the formation of lesions appears to be multi-factorial with lesion shape not being a predictor of aetiology. It was also concluded that the value of restoring these lesions, where indicated, is unclear and that occlusal adjustment to increase the retention of restorations placed to restore lesions or to halt lesion progression cannot be supported.

Keywords: Occlusal factors, Non-carious cervical tooth surface loss, Abfraction, Tooth wear, Cervical lesion, Prevention, Prevalence