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Non-Carious Cervical Lesions

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teeth with plaque around the gumline Non-carious Cervical Lesions describes a condition where tooth structure is lost below the gumline due to forces other than decay.
teeth circled in a red line Symptoms of Non-carious cervical lesions are often visual, with notches appearing on the teeth where the crown and root of the tooth meet. They can sometimes be accompanied by gum recession in the area as well. Depending on the depth of the lesions, sensitivity and/or pain may also be present.
teeth being brushed with a blue tooth brush Current research indicates two primary causes of these lesions- the first is abrasion, where the tooth material is reduced due to overly aggressive or improper tooth brushing technique.
full set of teeth with plaque The other possible cause is abfraction- which creates the notches by placing stress on the teeth through grinding and clenching. Your dentist will be able to determine the likely cause after a comprehensive examination.
teeth with plaque below the gumline Given that tooth structure is much softer below the gumline, once these lesions begin to form they very quickly penetrate the outer layer of tooth structure and expose the softer dentin layer beneath. Once the dentin is exposed the pace of the wear will accelerate dramatically.
teeth with extreme plaque by the gumline If allowed to progress, non carious cervical lesions can deepen and further expose the teeth to damage, making them weaker, more sensitive, and potentially prone to decay and fracture.
full set of clean teeth There are preventative and corrective treatment options for patients showing evidence of non-carious cervical lesions. Treatment will vary based on the underlying cause and the extent of tooth damage, making it critical to work closely with your dentist to proactively address the issue before more damage occurs.
 
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