Premature Contacts and Abfraction Lesions: A Study of Frequency Distribution and Associated Factors

Abstract

Background: Premature occlusal contacts are deflective contacts that increases the impact of occlusal forces and result into hard tissue damage. Objective:   The purpose of the study is to find out frequency and distribution of premature contacts and developing abfraction lesions with gender, age groups, tooth type, gingival attachment loss, centric and eccentric relations and type of occlusal scheme. Methodology:  Two hundred abfraction lesions were examined.  A comprehensive odontogenic, occlusal and periodontal examination was done to check dimension and location of abfraction, to record premature contacts in centric and eccentric relation and gingival attachment loss. Occlusal premature contacts with the help of articulating paper were checked and gingival attachment loss on the teeth with premature contacts was recorded as present or absent. Results: Premature contacts were found in 31.5% patients. 54.4% young and 28.7% old patients had premature contacts. The association of premature contacts with gender and age groups was insignificant. 43.5% patients had group function occlusion premature contacts whereas 25.2% had in canine guided occlusion. 40.0% abfractions had premature contacts on the involved teeth. The association of premature contacts with centric and eccentric movement, occlusal scheme and tooth type and gingival loss was significant.  Conclusion: Premature contacts were present in 31.5% of patients, with higher frequency in group function occlusion. They have significant association with development of abfractions, particularly with centric and eccentric movements, occlusal scheme, tooth type and gingival loss.