Reviewed by Dr. Alan Baughman, DMD, MBA
Reading time: 3 minutes
Have you noticed a small notch or groove in a tooth near the gumline? This type of tooth structure loss is called tooth abfraction or abfraction lesions. Because other types of tooth wear can look similar, a dental exam can help determine what is causing the notch and whether it needs treatment.
What is Tooth Abfraction?
Abfraction is a term used for a type of non-carious cervical lesion, meaning tooth structure has been lost near the gumline for reasons other than tooth decay. These areas may appear as a wedge-shaped or V-shaped notch where the crown of the tooth meets the root.
Depending on how much tooth structure has been lost, you may notice a visible indentation, sensitivity, or no symptoms at all.
What Causes These Lesions?
Tooth abfraction is associated with repeated pressure on the teeth. Clenching, grinding, or an uneven bite can place stress on a tooth and contribute to the loss of tooth structure near the gumline.
Other forms of tooth wear can affect the same area, which can make it difficult to determine the cause of a gumline notch based on appearance alone. We evaluate the tooth and your bite along with other signs of wear to determine what may be contributing to the damage.
Abfraction vs. Abrasion: What Is the Difference?
Abfraction and abrasion both involve loss of tooth structure without a cavity, but they develop for different reasons.
- Abfraction refers to tooth structure loss near the gumline that has traditionally been associated with pressure and stress placed on the tooth.
- Abrasion is physical wear caused by something outside the teeth. For example, aggressive brushing or other repeated mechanical contact can contribute to abrasion.
The two can also occur together, which is one reason a groove near the gumline cannot always be identified accurately based on appearance alone.
When Is Treatment Needed?
Treatment depends on how much tooth structure has been lost, whether the area is changing, your symptoms, and what may be contributing to the wear. In some cases, we may monitor the area during routine dental exams to see whether it changes over time.
If the area is sensitive, continuing to wear, difficult to keep clean, or affecting the tooth significantly, treatment may be appropriate. Addressing contributing habits or other sources of tooth wear may also form part of the treatment plan.
Treatment for Abraction Lesions
When treatment is needed, composite dental bonding can be used to rebuild the missing tooth structure and restore the contour of the tooth. The tooth-colored material also covers exposed dentin, which may help reduce sensitivity. If the abfraction is significantly deep, the tooth may require a crown to restore it predictably for longevity.
If clenching or grinding appears to be contributing to the wear, we may also recommend a custom nightguard. A nightguard creates a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth while you sleep, helping reduce the forces placed on the teeth.
Treatment is based on the condition of the tooth and the factors contributing to the damage. We may also recommend changes to brushing technique or habits that expose the teeth to acids to help reduce continued wear.
A Personalized Approach to Dental Care
At Clearwater Dentistry, we take the time to determine what is contributing to changes in your teeth before recommending treatment. We evaluate the condition of the tooth, your bite, and other factors that may be causing wear so we can recommend care that addresses your individual needs and helps protect your long-term oral health.
To book an appointment at our dental office in Greeley, CO, call (970) 515-3550 or visit us at 3110 67th Ave Pl, Greeley, CO 80634.
FAQs
Yes, although this is more likely when the notch becomes deep and a significant amount of tooth structure has been lost. A deep abfraction lesion can weaken the tooth near the gumline, increasing the risk of further damage or fracture.
Abfraction and gum recession can occur in the same area, but seeing both does not necessarily mean one directly caused the other. Gum recession has several possible causes, so an examination is needed to determine what is happening around a particular tooth.
Yes. The notch can become deeper or larger if the forces and habits contributing to the tooth wear continue. As more tooth structure is lost, the area may also become more sensitive and eventually require treatment.
