Do abfraction fillings hurt?

Abfraction is usually painless, but tooth sensitivity can become a problem, especially where heat and cold are concerned. You may never develop other signs or symptoms, but if the damage continues, it could lead to: worn and shiny facets on the tooth, known as translucency. chipping of the tooth surface.

Should you fill Abfractions?

Demineralization of the interior of your tooth will show up on an x-ray even if you can’t see it from the outside of your tooth. For a filling that is due to decay, it is best to have it taken care of as soon as possible. Putting off a filling may result in the decay spreading to a larger area.

What causes abfraction on teeth?

Abfraction is caused by stress and pressure applied to the teeth through biting, chewing, clenching the teeth, and most commonly, teeth grinding. These forces put great stress on the teeth near the gum line, where the enamel and cementum of the teeth meet.

Is an abfraction a cavity?

Abfractions are not cavities but are instead known as non-carious cervical lesions or NCCL. However, because they expose the softer portions of the teeth, like dentin, they can cause tooth sensitivity and mimic the symptoms of a cavity. Discovering the cause is an essential first step to treatment and management.

Can you fix tooth abfraction?

To treat a dental abfraction, the lesion is filled, much like a cavity. Your dentist will apply composite resin material to the affected area before shaping it and curing it with a special dental light. Finally, the tooth will be smoothed and polished to a natural-looking shine.

How do you tell the difference between abrasion and abfraction?

An abfraction is an angular notch at the gumline caused by bending forces applied to the tooth. An abrasion is a rounded notch at the gumline that may be visibly indestinguishable from an abfraction, although in cross-section abrasions are generally not as angular and have more of a saucered appearance.

How do you reverse an abfraction?

How Is an Abfraction Treated? Unfortunately, we cannot reverse the damage abfractions cause to the teeth. We can only repair the teeth. To repair a tooth with an abfraction, we can fill the lesion just as we would fill a tooth after a cavity.

How is dental abfraction treated?

How do you fix an abfraction?

Common Treatment for Abfractions

  1. Fillings. If sensitivity has developed due to the abfraction, your dentist may recommend a tooth-colored composite filling.
  2. Custom Oral Appliances. When bruxism is responsible for dental abfractions, a custom mouth guard may be the best line of defense.
  3. Orthodontics.

Is abfraction common?

Abfraction lesions are more common among the adult population, with the frequency of presence increasing from 20 to 70 years. It was revealed that restoration in premolars in patients over 40 years of age occurs due to non-carious lesions and this emphasizes an importance of timely prophylaxis at an earlier age.

What does abfraction mean?

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.

When to fill an abfraction in a tooth?

Proper abfraction treatment is based on the severity of the lesion and the reported sensitivity and aesthetic concerns. A dentist will usually fill the lesion when it extends below the gums, becomes decayed or challenging to clean, or exposes the tooth’s pulp or nerve. Filling the lesion reduces sensitivity and restores the tooth structure.

What can a dentist do for an abfraction lesion?

Filling the lesion reduces sensitivity and restores the tooth structure. Your dentist may use composite or tooth-colored fillings to cover the notches and improve your smile’s appearance. If teeth grinding causes your abfractions, your dentist may fit you with a mouthguard to protect your teeth while you sleep.

What to do if you have an abfraction in your mouth?

Orthodontics can also help prevent further abfraction lesions by realigning your bite and taking pressure off of certain areas of your mouth that may be prone to the damage. Although it won’t cure abfractions, try a desensitizing toothpaste if your abfraction is minor.

How is local anesthetic used for dental abfraction?

At the operative visit, the newly whitened tooth shade was taken before anesthetizing the patient. Care was taken to evaluate the shade at the cervical third of the teeth, which is typically more yellow in hue. Local anesthetic was then administered on teeth Nos. 27 and 28, and treatment initiated.