Incidence of Noncarious Cervical Lesions and Their Relation to the Presence of Wear Facets

PROBLEM: Noncarious cervical lesions are characterized by loss of tooth structure in the cervical area, compromising its integrity and resulting in esthetic problems for the patient. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess noncarious cervical lesions in young patients in an attempt to establish a possible relationship to the presence of wear facets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: First-year dental students of Bauru Dental School were studied to verify the prevalence of noncarious cervical lesions and their relationship to the presence of wear facets. After 3 years, the students were examined again to verify the incidence of new lesions, trying to establish a correlation to the previous existence of wear facets. RESULTS: Of the 1,131 teeth analyzed, 129 had noncarious cervical lesions. Twenty-nine of the 40 students had at least one tooth with one lesion. After 3 years, the incidence of new lesions was 57. Mandibular first molars (22.3%), mandibular first premolars (13.2%), mandibular second premolars (13.2%), and maxillary first molars (12.4%) showed the highest prevalence of lesions. On final analysis, 86.8% of all teeth presenting lesions showed wear facets. The identification of new lesions associated with the presence of wear facets identified during the first exam 3 years earlier was statistically significant (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The patterns of wear facets found in the study population examined were associated with an increased occurrence of noncarious cervical lesions. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Occlusal factors, especially the presence of wear facets, should be considered in the management of noncarious cervical lesions.