Abstract: Objective To compare the clinical effect of using electrotome with that of gingival retraction methods in the treatment of wedge-shaped defects. Methods 80 teeth with wedge-shaped defects at subgingival depth of 0~2 mm were selected and divided into 2 groups. One was treated with electrotome while the other was treated with gingival retraction method. All the defects were filled with composite resin. All cases were followed up for half a year and a year. The results were evaluated by modified USPHS criteria to analyze the differences. Results According to the observation in half a year and a year, in the terms of marginal adaption and marginal discolor, the group in the treatment with electrotome performed better than the other one (P <0.05). After half a year, in the terms of gingival response, the group in the treatment with electrotome performed more severely than the other one (P <0.05), but no significant differences were detected in the 1-year follow-up (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in other aspects between the half-a-year follow-up and a-year follow up (P>0.05). Conclusion In the treatment of non-carious cervical lesions, when it comes to marginal adaption and marginal discolor, using electrotome is more effective than using gingival retraction method.

Key words: Non-carious cervical lesions, Electrotome, gingival retraction