Distribution and Characteristics of Non Carious Cervical lesions in an Adult Nigerian Population

Abstract

Background: Controversies rages in the literature as to the characteristics of non carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) in terms of the location and its severity.
Objective: The study is to investigate the characteristics of NCCLs in adult patients who had a high incidence in them and to see if there are any association with the findings.
Methods : The author examined 356 teeth with NCCLs in 34 subjects ( male and female aged 22-75 years). The characteristics were based on the location of the lesion and the size (shape, extensiveness and depth).
Results : In terms of the location, 61.2% were located on the posterior teeth, and 55.9% on the maxillary teeth. The first premolars (25.8%) and canines (19.4%) were affected most often, followed by the first molars (16.9%) and second premolars (13.8%). There was slight right side preponderance (50.3%) and more lesions in the male subjects (67.4%). Patients tended to be older, with 76.4% in the 40years and older age group. In terms of the size of the lesion, 75.0% of the lesion had angular shape of <135 (wedge), 70.2% had axial depth of 1-2mm, and 51.7% had occlusogingival width (extensiveness) of 2-3.9mm (small). There was association between gender and the severity (extensiveness) of the lesion. The severity (shape and extensiveness) of NCCL was associated with age. There was strong association between the severity of NCCL and site of the lesion (jaws).
Conclusion: The authors found that NCCLs were significantly related to age. The posterior maxillary teeth especially the first premolars followed by the canines were the teeth commonly involved. No great difference in incidence was found between the right and left sides as a result of right or left hand dexterity. Awareness of a multifactorial etiology in noncarious cervical lesions may help the clinician to formulate an appropriate treatment plan for the patient. In addition, these characteristics help identify which teeth and patients that are more susceptible.

Key Words: Distribution, Characteristics, Noncarious Cervical Lesion, Adult Nigerian