Exploring Treatment Options for Traumatic Dental Occlusion

Reviewed by Dr. Gary Morris, DDS

Reading time: six minutes.

Have you ever heard about traumatic dental occlusion, or did your dentist mention you might have a “bad bite”?

Traumatic occlusion, also called malocclusion or bad bite, occurs when excessive or uneven forces impact your teeth and jaw during normal biting and chewing. 

This condition can lead to various issues, from tooth sensitivity and jaw pain to more serious complications like bone loss and periodontal disease.

In this blog, you will learn about traumatic dental occlusion, how it can affect your oral health, and the treatment options available to manage this condition.

What is Traumatic Dental Occlusion?

Traumatic dental occlusion refers to damage caused by excessive or unbalanced forces on the teeth and surrounding structures during normal biting and chewing.

When teeth do not come together harmoniously—also known as “malocclusion”—these forces can impact the periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, and surrounding tissues, leading to tooth wear, tooth mobility, and even bone loss.

Types of Occlusal Trauma

1. Primary occlusal trauma: Occurs in a healthy mouth without prior periodontal disease and typically results from an isolated incident, such as a sudden force.
2. Secondary occlusal trauma: Arises in mouths with pre-existing periodontal conditions, where weakened gums and bone make the teeth more susceptible to damage from regular biting forces.

Causes of Traumatic Dental Occlusion

Several factors can lead to traumatic occlusion. Some of the most common include:

• Misaligned teeth: When teeth are not correctly aligned, they may not meet properly during biting.
• Grinding or clenching: Excessive force from grinding (bruxism) can wear down teeth and increase stress on periodontal structures.
• Tooth restorations: Poorly fitted fillings, crowns, or dental bridges can create an imbalanced bite.
• Orthodontic changes: Orthodontic treatment may sometimes lead to temporary occlusal issues.

Symptoms of Traumatic Occlusion

Traumatic occlusion can present with various symptoms that may seem minor at first but become more severe over time. 

Watch for these clinical signs and symptoms:

• Tooth mobility or movement
• Jaw discomfort or pain, especially while chewing
• Tooth sensitivity or discomfort when biting down
• Wear or flattening of the occlusal surfaces of teeth
• Inflamed gums around affected teeth
• Tooth migration or shifting positions of individual teeth
• Fractured tooth surfaces or chipped edges

The Impact on Your Oral Health

Unchecked traumatic occlusion can lead to significant oral health issues, including:

• Bone resorption and loss: The alveolar bone surrounding teeth may start to resorb or break down due to excessive occlusal forces, leading to bone loss.
• Damage to periodontal structures: Persistent trauma can weaken the periodontal ligament and connective tissue attachment, leading to attachment loss.
• Periodontal disease progression: Traumatic occlusion can exacerbate existing periodontal conditions, causing faster progression of periodontitis and gingival inflammation.
• Tooth wear and fractures: Teeth exposed to ongoing trauma may become worn down or fractured, making them susceptible to further damage.

How is Traumatic Occlusion Diagnosed?

Diagnosing traumatic occlusion requires a detailed examination by your dentist, who will look for specific signs and use diagnostic tools to assess the impact of occlusal forces on your teeth and surrounding structures.

Here is what you can expect during the diagnostic process:

1. Visual examination: Your dentist will visually inspect your teeth, gums, and jaw alignment to identify signs of tooth wear, mobility, and unusual tooth migration.
2. Bite analysis: Using articulating paper, your dentist will assess how your teeth come together when you bite. This helps pinpoint any uneven contacts or occlusal interferences causing excess pressure on certain teeth.
3. Periodontal evaluation: A comprehensive periodontal exam will measure gum health and attachment levels. This evaluation is essential, as traumatic occlusion can worsen pre-existing periodontal conditions, leading to bone and attachment loss.
4. X-rays and imaging: Dental X-rays allow your dentist to examine bone density, crestal bone level, and any potential bone resorption due to occlusal trauma. X-rays also reveal fractures or irregularities in the bone around teeth, which could indicate trauma.
5. Tooth mobility testing: Your dentist may gently apply pressure to specific teeth to determine if there is any tooth movement beyond normal levels. Increased tooth mobility often indicates that occlusal forces are affecting the periodontal ligament and surrounding bone.

Treatment Options for Occlusal Treatment

There are several effective treatment options for traumatic occlusion. Your dentist will recommend an approach based on the severity of your condition, underlying causes, and the impact on your oral health.

Occlusal Therapy

Occlusal therapy aims to correct the bite and reduce stress on teeth and surrounding structures.

• Occlusal equilibration: This procedure reshapes specific teeth surfaces to create a harmonious contact relationship, allowing for a more even bite.
• Bite splints or mouthguards: These devices help reduce damage from teeth grinding by cushioning and evenly distributing occlusal forces.
• Orthodontic treatment: Orthodontic adjustments or braces may help reposition teeth to establish proper alignment and relieve excess forces on individual teeth.

Periodontal and Dental Treatments

If you have periodontal issues due to occlusal trauma, these treatments may help:

• Periodontal therapy: Treatment may include scaling and root planing to address inflammation and plaque-induced periodontitis around affected teeth.
• Surgical procedures: In cases of significant bone loss, a bone graft may be performed to restore alveolar bone and stabilize mobile teeth.
• Tooth restorations: Adjustments to existing restorations, such as dental crowns or dental fillings, can help improve occlusion and reduce unnecessary forces on adjacent teeth.

Lifestyle and Preventive Measures

In addition to professional treatments, you can take steps at home to help manage occlusal trauma:

• Avoid hard or sticky foods: Limit foods that require excessive chewing or put extra strain on teeth.
• Practice good oral hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to reduce the risk of periodontal inflammation.
• Manage stress: Address stress through meditation or yoga to avoid grinding or clenching teeth, which can worsen occlusal trauma.

Preventing Traumatic Dental Occlusion

While some factors, such as tooth misalignment, may require professional intervention, you can still take steps to protect your teeth:

1. Schedule regular dental checkups: Routine dental exams help detect occlusal issues early, preventing more severe problems.
2. Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth: A custom mouthguard helps protect teeth from excessive occlusal forces.
3. Follow your dentist’s advice post-orthodontic treatment: Follow-up care is essential for maintaining balanced occlusion.

Trust Morris Dental Solutions for Expert Care

At Morris Dental Solutions, we stay updated on the latest techniques to offer high-quality care with long-term health benefits.

If you are experiencing symptoms of occlusal trauma (bad bite) or want to learn more about protecting your smile, contact our dental professionals in Buffalo Grove, IL.Book a dental exam at our dental office in Buffalo Grove, IL. Call (847) 215-1511 or complete the online inquiry form. Our dental office is located at 195 N Arlington Heights Rd Ste 160, Buffalo Grove, IL.