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Periodontics · single question

A patient presents with a smooth, rounded (not wedge-shaped), polished cervical lesion at the gumline. Which condition is most consistent with this description?

  1. Abfraction (classically a sharp, wedge/V-shaped notch from occlusal flexural stress)
  2. Abrasion (a smooth, rounded/saucer-shaped lesion from mechanical wear, such as aggressive toothbrushing)
  3. Erosion only, with no mechanical component
  4. Attrition only, with no cervical involvement
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Abrasion (a smooth, rounded/saucer-shaped lesion from mechanical wear, such as aggressive toothbrushing)

Abrasion lesions are typically smooth, rounded, polished, and saucer-shaped, classically resulting from mechanical wear such as overly aggressive toothbrushing technique or abrasive dentifrices. Abfraction, in contrast, is classically described as a sharp, wedge/V-shaped notch attributed to occlusal loading/flexural stress — a meaningfully different shape and described mechanism.

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