Restorative & Materials · single question
Cupping lesions on the OCCLUSAL surfaces of molar teeth are MOST characteristic of which condition?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Dental erosion
Cupping (concave depressions) on occlusal surfaces = dental erosion from acid dissolution. The acid dissolves enamel and dentin in a concave pattern.
- A. Abrasion from toothbrushing creates horizontal grooves at the cervical area or worn incisal edges — not occlusal cupping.
- B. Attrition causes flat, polished wear facets on occlusal/incisal surfaces from tooth-to-tooth contact (bruxism) — not cupping.
- C. CORRECT. Cupping lesions on occlusal surfaces are the hallmark of dental EROSION (acid dissolution from GERD, dietary acids, or bulimia). The acid creates concave depressions — distinguishing erosion from mechanical wear.
- D. Abfraction creates wedge-shaped notches at the CERVICAL margin, not cupping on occlusal surfaces.
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