Occlusive disease
Occlusal disease is a dysfunction of the masticatory system, which includes the teeth, muscles, and temporomandibular joints. It leads to overload, which can result in the wearing down and cracking of teeth, tooth mobility, and pain within the face, head, and joints. It develops gradually and often goes unnoticed, with the first symptoms appearing incidentally during routine dental visits.
Symptoms
The most commonly observed symptoms include:
wear and cracking of teeth,
frequent chipping of fillings or crowns,
pain in the facial and jaw muscles,
headaches,
clicking and discomfort in the temporomandibular joints,
tooth mobility,
bruxism (teeth grinding).
Diagnostics
The basis is a thorough assessment of occlusion, muscle function, and the function of the temporomandibular joints. If necessary, imaging studies such as X-rays or computed tomography are performed, along with an analysis of occlusal conditions.
In many cases, occlusal disorders are detected during a visit when the patient presents with another problem, such as a chipped tooth or a lost filling.
Treatment price list
Specialist consultation
PLN 300
ModJaw assessment
PLN 400
Bite splint / Michigan splint
PLN 1,500
Treatment
Therapeutic management depends on the severity of the disorders and may include:
muscle deprogramming,
relaxation splint therapy,
correction of occlusal contacts,
prosthodontic treatment (reconstruction or replacement of restorations),
orthodontic treatment,
interdisciplinary therapy involving various specialists.
The importance of early diagnosis
Early detection of occlusal disease allows for limiting the scope of treatment and preventing further damage to the masticatory system. Untreated disorders can lead to progressive overloading and the necessity of comprehensive, multi-stage rehabilitation of the entire masticatory organ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is occlusal disease and how do I know if it might affect me?
Problems with occlusion, which is the way the upper and lower teeth contact each other, can manifest as jaw muscle tension, tooth wear, hypersensitivity, or discomfort in the area of the temporomandibular joint, among other things. The exact cause of the symptoms is evaluated by a doctor.
Can teeth grinding lead to their damage?
Yes. Excessive clenching and grinding of teeth can cause them to wear down, crack, or become overloaded, as well as affect the muscles and joints of the jaw.
What does a deprogrammer do?
The deprogrammer helps to temporarily change the way the teeth make contact and to "quiet" the function of the jaw muscles. It can be used during diagnostics and planning of further treatment.
When is a bite splint used?
A relaxation splint can be used in patients with excessive muscle tension, teeth clenching or grinding, and certain ailments related to the masticatory system. Its type and method of use are selected individually by the doctor.
Does a bite splint protect teeth from wear?
A properly selected splint can limit direct contact between teeth and protect them from the effects of excessive clenching or grinding. However, it does not remove the root cause of the problem itself, which is why proper diagnosis is important.
See what treatment looks like at Luxdentica
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Pediatric dentistry
Healthy teeth from an early age have a huge impact on a child's proper development and their everyday comfort. In pediatric dentistry, we pay special attention not only to effective treatment but also to building positive experiences associated with dental visits. A friendly atmosphere, an individual approach, and modern treatment methods make children feel safe and eager to return for subsequent check-ups.
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