Wedge-Shaped Tooth Defect
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Try one of these related symptoms.
Tooth loss near the base
Wedge-shaped defect (tooth)
Abfraction
About the Symptom
A wedge-shaped tooth defect, also known as abfraction, is the loss of the hard tissue of the tooth in the cervical region where the tooth meets the gums. Abfraction is most commonly caused by pressure and stress due to grinding and clenching.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Wedge-shaped tooth defect
Possible Causes
Generally, Wedge-shaped tooth defect can be related to:
- Tuberous Sclerosis
A rare disease caused by genetic mutations that leads to non-cancerous tumors or growths in the brain and other organs. Symptoms can vary widely based on the severity and location of the tumor.
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Do you have a wedge-shaped tooth loss near the base?
Reviewed By:
Luri Lee, DMD (Dentistry)
Dr. Luri Lee graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Biology. She then continued her education at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. During her time in dental school, Dr. Lee was the recipient of the Spencer N. Frankl Scholarship for her strong academic performance and active participation in the school and community. Following dental school, Dr. Lee stayed at Boston University to complete a one year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program. In 2020 Dr. Lee was recognized among the “10 Under Ten” by the Massachusetts Dental Society for her contributions to the dental community and her volunteer work in Panama. Dr. Lee is licensed to practice in Massachusetts and is a member of the American Dental Association, Massachusetts Dental Society and Academy of General Dentistry.
Yoshinori Abe, MD (Internal Medicine)
Dr. Abe graduated from The University of Tokyo School of Medicine in 2015. He completed his residency at the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Longevity Medical Center. He co-founded Ubie, Inc. in May 2017, where he currently serves as CEO & product owner at Ubie. Since December 2019, he has been a member of the Special Committee for Activation of Research in Emergency AI of the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine. | | Dr. Abe has been elected in the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Healthcare & Science category.
Content updated on Jan 29, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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- Wedged shape tooth loss near the base resulting in a wedge shaped
- Loss of tooth near the base resulting in a wedge shaped
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FAQs
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Losing Bone? Why Your Jaw Needs Dental Implants + Medically Approved Next Steps
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Jawbone loss often begins soon after a tooth is lost because the bone stops getting chewing stimulation; dental implants are the only option that replaces the root, restores stimulation, and helps preserve bone, bite, and facial structure. Medically approved next steps include scheduling a dental evaluation with imaging, treating any gum disease, maintaining excellent oral hygiene, considering implants sooner rather than later, and reviewing systemic factors like diabetes or osteoporosis, with urgent care for severe infection or swelling. There are several factors to consider that can change your best path forward, so see below for complete details and important nuances.
References:
* Garcovich, D., Pagnoni, M., Gaglianone, M. D., Gallenzi, P., Del Prete, E., Di Felice, R., ... & Costi, S. (2023). Bone regeneration in oral implantology: a critical narrative review of the current approaches and future perspectives. *Journal of Stomatology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery*, 124(5), 101784. PMID: 37474495.
* Al-Jumaily, M. E., & Al-Hassani, A. A. S. (2021). The Impact of Edentulism on Alveolar Bone Resorption and the Role of Dental Implants in Its Preservation: A Comprehensive Review. *Journal of Clinical Medicine*, 10(17), 3986. PMID: 34501372.
* Lazzara, R. J. (2021). Bone resorption and bone augmentation in implant dentistry: a review of the current evidence. *Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Research*, 12(4), e3. PMID: 34848972.
* Chrcanovic, B. R., Albrektsson, T., & Wennerberg, A. (2021). Long-term clinical outcomes of dental implants: a systematic review. *International Journal of Implant Dentistry*, 7(1), 77. PMID: 34185121.
* Al-Hattali, A., Al-Moqbali, A., Al-Harthy, M., & Al-Amri, M. (2020). Clinical recommendations for prosthetic treatment with dental implants: a narrative review of the literature. *Journal of Dental Research, Dental Clinics, Dental Prospects*, 14(4), 185-190. PMID: 33457176.
Q.
Do I Need Braces? Why Your Teeth Are Shifting & Medically Approved Next Steps
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Teeth commonly shift with age, but you may need braces if changes cause crowding, bite problems, pain, uneven wear, or hygiene issues, and you should seek prompt care for rapid movement, loose teeth, bleeding gums, swelling, or severe pain. There are several factors to consider, so medically recommended next steps usually include a dental exam with X rays to find the cause, screening and treatment for gum disease or grinding if present, and a discussion of retainers, aligners, or braces, with full details that could change your plan explained below.
References:
* Mandall, N. A. (2006). Relapse after orthodontic treatment. *Seminars in Orthodontics, 12*(1), 58–63. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16567290/
* Papageorgiou, S. N., Homsi, M., & Koletsi, D. (2020). Is orthodontic tooth movement stable after periodontal therapy in patients with reduced periodontium? A systematic review. *Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 47*(11), 1335–1349. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32909405/
* Proffit, W. R. (2013). Orthodontic treatment planning for adults: current concepts. *American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 143*(1), 14–20. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23290680/
* Mandall, N., & O'Brien, K. (2007). The evidence base for adult orthodontics. *British Dental Journal, 203*(11), 665–671. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18066060/
* Ngan, P. W., & Ngan, P. (2011). Orthodontic treatment of malocclusion caused by missing teeth. *Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, 45*(1), 40–49. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21327464/
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Need a Dentist? Why Your Nerve Is Aching & Medically Approved Next Steps
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Most toothaches stem from cavities, gum disease, sensitivity, cracked teeth, infection, grinding, or sinus issues, and the right next step depends on how long the pain lasts and whether there are red flags like swelling, fever, or severe, worsening pain. See a dentist if pain lasts more than 1 to 2 days or worsens; while waiting, use a warm saltwater rinse, gentle flossing, over the counter pain relievers, and a cold compress, and seek urgent care now for facial swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, or high fever. There are several factors to consider; more medically approved next steps, prevention tips, and what to expect at the dentist are detailed below.
References:
* Al-Dojaili, R. A., Al-Musawi, A. J., & Jabar, M. A. (2021). Diagnosis and Management of Odontogenic Pain: A Comprehensive Review. *Cureus*, *13*(6), e15549.
* Vashishth, R., & Vashishth, B. (2021). Reversible and Irreversible Pulpitis: Differential Diagnosis and Treatment. *Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry*, *45*(5), 337-342.
* Sabeti, M., & Kazemi, A. (2018). Periapical Abscess: Diagnosis and Management. *Dental Clinics of North America*, *62*(3), 517-531.
* Shanti, R. M., & Lieblich, S. E. (2021). Emergency Management of Odontogenic Infections and Dental Pain. *Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics of North America*, *33*(3), 329-342.
* Flynn, T. R., & Sreenivas, S. (2022). Management of Acute Odontogenic Infections and Pain. *Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics of North America*, *34*(1), 1-13.
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Root Canal Pain? Why Your Tooth Is Failing & Medically Approved Next Steps
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Persistent pain after a root canal lasting more than 1 to 2 weeks or returning months or years later often signals a failing tooth due to lingering infection from missed or hidden canals, a crack, new decay, or a leaking crown, though issues like gum disease, bruxism, or sinus problems can mimic it. There are several factors to consider; see below for medically approved next steps, including prompt dental imaging and evaluation, possible retreatment, apicoectomy, or extraction with replacement options, and seek urgent care if you develop facial swelling, fever, or trouble swallowing or breathing.
References:
* Ngo, V. T., Guler, B., & Gencay, K. (2017). Causes of failure in root canal treatment: a systematic review. *Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry*, *9*(9), e1167-e1173.
* Patel, S., & Tambe, D. P. (2021). Surgical and nonsurgical retreatment. *British Dental Journal*, *230*(7), 416-423.
* Nixdorf, D. R. (2020). Persistent Endodontic Pain: Causes and Management. *Journal of Clinical Dentistry*, *31*(Special Issue 1), S48-S54.
* Guerra, S., Sanna, A., & Cotti, E. (2022). Diagnosis and management of endodontic failures: a narrative review. *Endodontic Practice Today*, *2*(1), 1-12.
* Setzer, F. C., Shah, S. B., & Kim, S. (2022). Outcome of Endodontic Microsurgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. *Journal of Endodontics*, *48*(9), 1083-1092.
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Sharp Zapping? Why Your Teeth Are Screaming & Medically Approved Next Steps
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Sharp zapping tooth pain is usually from exposed dentin caused by sensitivity, cavities, cracks, gum recession, grinding, or sometimes infection, and it is a sign that something needs attention. Dentist approved steps range from desensitizing toothpaste and fluoride to fillings, bonding, night guards, or urgent care if pain lingers, throbs, or comes with swelling, fever, or trouble swallowing or breathing. There are several factors to consider, and important details that could change your next steps are explained below.
References:
* Al-Saud LM, Al-Shehri AM, Al-Saleh NA, Al-Dossari MY, Al-Qahtani AA. Dentin Hypersensitivity: A Narrative Review. Quintessence Int. 2022;53(4):394-403. doi: 10.3290/j.qi.218520. PMID: 35323214.
* Al-Jadiry SF, Ahmad AA, Al-Qadasi SA, Al-Haddad KA, Al-Mekhlafi YM. Diagnosis and Management of Orofacial Pain. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2023 Mar;27(3):85-94. doi: 10.1007/s11916-023-01103-y. Epub 2023 Jan 24. PMID: 36692518.
* Singh S, Sharma N, Singh AP. Dental Pain: A Review of Etiology, Pathophysiology, and Management. Indian J Dent Res. 2021 Jul-Sep;32(3):364-370. doi: 10.4103/ijdr.IJDR_354_21. PMID: 34505436.
* Al-Saud LM, Al-Shehri AM, Al-Saleh NA, Al-Dossari MY, Al-Qahtani AA. Current Concepts in the Diagnosis and Management of Pulpitis. J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2022;46(3):215-223. doi: 10.17796/1053-4628-46.3.2. PMID: 35323214.
* Abualnaja O, AlShehri A, AlHagbani R, AlWazzan A, AlSabbagh R. Cracked tooth syndrome: A narrative review of diagnosis and management. Clin Exp Dent Res. 2023 Dec;9(6):1001-1008. doi: 10.1002/cre2.782. Epub 2023 Aug 18. PMID: 37596853.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Nascimento MM, Dilbone DA, Pereira PN, Duarte WR, Geraldeli S, Delgado AJ. Abfraction lesions: etiology, diagnosis, and treatment options. Clin Cosmet Investig Dent. 2016 May 3;8:79-87. doi: 10.2147/CCIDE.S63465. PMID: 27217799; PMCID: PMC4861607.