Non-Carious Cervical Lesions: Bibliometric Insights, Detection Technology, Simulation Models and Prevention Strategy

Abstract

This thesis provides a comprehensive exploration of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) through four distinct studies, each offering unique insights into their understanding, detection, progression, and prevention. Chapter 2 presents a bibliometric analysis that contextualizes NCCLs within the broader research landscape, revealing significant growth in publications and highlighting key contributors. The analysis categorizes studies into etiology, prevention, and therapy, uncovering a research gap in preventive measures. This chapter emphasizes the need for a shift from restorative treatments to proactive prevention and early detection. Chapter 3 advances the detection of NCCLs by evaluating the efficacy of intraoral scanners (IOS) as an alternative to traditional 3D optical profilometry. The study demonstrates that IOS technology can reliably quantify tooth structure loss, offering a promising tool for early detection and consistent monitoring in clinical practice. This chapter underscores the potential of IOS to facilitate timely interventions and improve patient outcomes. In Chapter 4, the focus shifts to the impact of erosive challenges and toothbrushing abrasion on the progression and morphology of NCCLs. The study reveals that acidic exposure accelerates tooth tissue loss and significantly alters lesion morphology. These findings provide clinicians with visual markers to differentiate between abrasion-driven and erosion-exacerbated lesions, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and guiding patient education on minimizing risk factors. Chapter 5 explores the preventive potential of dental adhesives under erosive and abrasive conditions. The study shows that certain adhesives can reduce the progression of NCCLs, particularly in their early stages. By demonstrating the effectiveness of these adhesives, this chapter offers a preventive tool for clinicians to protect at-risk patients, potentially extending the lifespan of tooth structures and reducing the need for invasive treatments.