Occlusal disease is one of the three main challenges to maintaining a healthy dentition, in addition to caries and periodontal disease. Recognizing the signs of occlusal trauma on the teeth and restorations allows the dentist to initiate treatment to minimize the effects and avoid restoration failures. The occlusal examination includes an evaluation of the dynamic and static components of the mouth as well as the function of the joint. Treatment can consist of an occlusal adjustment of the teeth or a bruxism splint to protect both the teeth and any restorative care. Finally, the decision to use a semi-adjustable articulator or a simple hinge is predicated on the occlusal and esthetic status of the patient.
Learning Objectives:
Identify signs of occlusal disease on teeth and restorations, and determine appropriate treatment possibilities, including the proper articulation to select for potential restorations.
Conduct a systematic occlusal examination of a patient to determine the health or dysfunction of their masticatory system.
Determine a predictable simple method for mounting casts and fabricating a maxillary occlusal bruxism splint.
Review the proper steps and logic for an occlusal adjustment of the dentition.