OCCLUSAL DISEASE

Painful, Excessive Tooth Wear Is Preventable

OCCLUSAL DISEASE

Occlusal disease occurs when your teeth are misaligned, also called malocclusion. If left untreated, it can damage your teeth, the supporting bones and gums around your teeth, temporomandibular joints and the jaw muscles you use for chewing.

Many people dismiss excessive tooth wear as “natural aging or wearing” of teeth, but this is not the case. These signs of occlusal disease are often ignored since pain and discomfort don’t usually appear until the disease is more advanced. The longer you ignore the signs, the more advanced the damage becomes and the harder it is to fix properly.

The majority of dentists are not experts in occlusion, and only a few of them are trained to diagnose and treat the condition. The Dahlgren Dental team can provide treatment to alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by occlusal disease. Our goal is to preserve the oral health of our patients and anticipate the long-term results when restorative treatment is provided. Treating the disease can lead to a long life of optimal oral health and less need for restorative treatment.

Severe, Untreated Occlusal Disease Can Cause You To:

  • Avoid cold foods and beverages

  • Wake up every day with tired facial muscles

  • Chronic mouth pain

  • Use warm water to brush your teeth

Signs And Symptoms Of Occlusal Disease

  • Tooth grinding and wear

  • Flattened and worn teeth

  • Cracked and broken teeth

  • Loose teeth

  • Tooth sensitivity

  • Gum recession

  • Loss of bone support

  • Muscle pain

  • TMJ symptoms like clicking, popping noises or pain

  • Frequent headaches

  • Earaches and “stuffiness” in the ears

  • Ringing in the ears

  • Jaw pain and jaw muscle tightness

  • Difficulty opening the mouth and chewing

Treating Occlusal Disease

If you suspect you have occlusal disease, make an appointment at Dahlgren Dental. Many dentists do not often consider it as a diagnosis, even though it is fairly common. We will evaluate your bite, take some X-rays and design a customized treatment plan. Although often the result of an underlying chronic condition, it is usually possible to stop the damage it causes and relieve symptoms.

Possible Treatment Options Include:

  • Slightly modifying the teeth to balance the bite

  • Orthodontics to correct the malocclusion

  • A custom nightguard to help manage tooth grinding

  • Prosthetics or restorations to reverse aesthetic damage

OCCLUSAL DISEASE

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