Occlusal trauma. An evaluation of its relationship to periodontal prostheses.

Occlusion and local irritants are two factors in the etiology and pathogenesis of periodontal disease. Moreover, occlusal trauma and periodontal inflammation may act as codestructive agents in periodontal disease. Mobility as well as radiographic changes, including a widened PDL space, decreased definition of the lamina dura, bone loss, and altered bone trabeculation, are diagnostic for trauma from occlusion. When periodontitis is present in conjunction with occlusal trauma, the inflammatory condition should be resolved first. If the inflammatory process is controlled and the patient still suffers from impaired function, diminished comfort, or unacceptable esthetics, then occlusal equilibration may be employed. If this treatment modality is not successful, adjunctive appliances or splinting should be contemplated.