Occlusal disease describes a broad range of oral conditions, including mouth breathing (such as sleep apnea), teeth grinding, or clenching problems. The occlusal disease can also affect the backline that runs from the front of your eye toward your cheek. Over time, it can lead to a condition called keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or dry eye condition. The occlusal disease may also be caused by gum recession and chronic facial stress, which increases facial swelling, wound healing problems, and polyps. This article will focus on the diagnosis, causes, and treatment of occlusal disease.
Diagnosis of Occlusal Disease
It requires a comprehensive analysis to determine the location and seriousness of the imbalance leading to the disease. It is made with a complete history and examination of the patient's mouth. Evaluation begins with a diagnostic dental examination. If you're looking for a dental centre in Ottawa for occlusal disease diagnosis, visit us at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa for quality dental services.
For all patients, it is essential to determine whether there is other oral health that could be causing the patient's symptoms, such as gum recession or being atopic (allergic) to your type of tooth. The diagnosis process can also include one or more of the following procedures:
1. Oral Radiography – An x-ray procedure used to determine the presence of caries, periodontal disease, or other changes in the dental hard tissue.
2. Soft tissue biopsy involves taking tissue samples from a small local area affected. The biopsy is then examined under the microscope to determine if any abnormalities can be seen.
3. The gold standard for diagnosing occlusal problems is the surgical removal of all teeth in the affected area and examining the whole mouth with dental implants and artificial teeth (the dental prosthesis). It can be done as an outpatient procedure or an inpatient at an oral surgery department.
4. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – An MRI is a non-invasive test that provides a detailed view of the entire jaw. It is used in some cases to help diagnose TMJ dysfunction or additional changes in the temporomandibular joint. This procedure can be used in conjunction with CT scans, which offer detailed views of specific areas of the affected area.
5. Conebeam Computed Tomography (CBCT) – This advanced technology allows clinicians to take 3D images of teeth, bones, and soft tissue structures up close and personal, as if you were looking at a virtual face.
Causes of Occlusal Disease
There are many possible causes of occlusal disease; these include:
1. Bruxism (tooth grinding/clenching)
2. Over-biting
3. Under-biting (overjet and overbite)
4. Horizontal malocclusion
5. Mesial drift of the teeth (narrowing of the upper arch)
6. Displacement of the lower third molar teeth
7. Diastema
8. Excessive space at the anterior teeth
9. Maxillary hypoplasia (underdevelopment of the upper jaw)
10. Periodontal disease (gum recession)
Treatment of Occlusal Disease
Treatment will depend on the type of problem and the location. Treatment options can include:
1. Orthodontics is a treatment for several dental problems but works exceptionally well for underbites, overbites, and crooked teeth.
2. Tooth grinding guard – This device is worn over your upper and lower front teeth, which prevents you from grinding your teeth at night.
3. Orthodontic aligners are small devices that attach to the teeth and hold them in position.
4. Gum graft - This procedure attempts to reattach your gums to the surrounding teeth.
5. Root contouring or root planning – This is a procedure used to remove extra tissue and smoothen the roots of the teeth, which in turn will improve the way you bite.
6. Antibiotics - This may be required if an infection in the gums surrounding a tooth may need to be removed.
7. Pharmacological treatment of periodontal disease (Therapeutic Mouth Wash)
8. Radiographic treatment of periodontal disease (periodontal therapy or surgical prophylaxis)
9. Gold wire inlay - Replacing the natural teeth to improve the teeth' positions and bite force.
Occlusal disease is a painful condition that affects the ability to chew, speak and, in some cases, breathe. Patients must understand that there are many treatment options and that their teeth do not have to be extracted. If you suspect you may have occlusal disease, give us a visit at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa for proper diagnosis. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
