Stereomicroscopic Aspects of Non-Carious Cervical Lesions.

Non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) represent a form of tooth wear, characterized by the irreversible loss of dental hard tissues at the enamel-cement junction, without the involvement of caries and dental trauma. The aim of this study was to highlight the morphological elements of NCCLs via their stereomicroscopic examination and to confirm the role of this examination in the diagnosis of early lesions. In addition, the association between the morphological aspects identified during the stereomicroscopic examination of NCCLs and their etiological factors was determined. For this study, extracted teeth with NCCLs were examined with a stereomicroscope. The morphological aspects of NCCLs were evaluated at magnifications up to 75×. In wedge-shaped NCCLs, the stereomicroscopic examination allowed the identification and measurement of scratches, furrows and cracks. In saucer-shaped NCCLs, the stereomicroscopic examination highlighted the smooth appearance of the walls. The presented study highlighted the role of stereomicroscopic examination in the assessment of NCCL morphology and in their early diagnosis. The study confirmed, in particular, the role of occlusal overloads and tooth brushing in determining the morphology of NCCLs.

Morphological and Optical Coherence Tomography Aspects of Non-Carious Cervical Lesions.

Non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) are considered the irreversible losses of dental hard tissues at the cemento-enamel junction, in the absence of acute trauma and dental caries. The aim of this study was to highlight the presence of NCCLs in cervical areas based on specific macroscopic aspects in order to establish their clinical form, size and location and to confirm the role of optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination in the early diagnosis of these lesions. For this study, 52 extracted teeth were used, which did not have endodontic treatments, fillings or carious lesions in the cervical area. All teeth were examined macroscopically and OCT was used to evaluate the degree of occlusal wear, the presence and clinical form of NCCLs. Most NCCLs were identified on the buccal surfaces of the premolars. The most frequently encountered clinical form was the wedge-shaped form, with a radicular location. NCCLs present most frequently in the wedge-shaped form. Teeth that presented several NCCLs were identified. The OCT examination is an adjunct method to evaluate the clinical forms of NCCL.