How Jackson Family Dentistry Treats Occlusal Disease

What Is Occlusal Disease?

Occlusal disease develops in cases of malocclusion (misalignment of the upper and lower teeth). Because of the poor alignment, the unevenly distributed pressure from the simple action of biting down begins to create problems with the teeth, muscles, jaw, and jaw joint. Occlusal disease is one of the most common dental disorders, while at the same time one of the most undiagnosed.

Symptoms of occlusal disease are varied. Where the teeth compact upon each other, it’s common to find the enamel completely worn down. Once enamel (which is the hardest surface in the body) is worn down, the teeth begin to show visible wear quickly. It’s not uncommon for teeth to look very worn.

Teeth can also become loose and move much easier. They will often become sensitive to temperature changes and they’ll likely become sore from biting. Teeth can also fracture much easier due to occlusal disease, and the jaw muscles can become sore and painful. Headaches are another common complaint. Dr. Jackson has also found that patients with occlusal disease have jaw joints that pop and click while eating, which can be painful as well as annoying.

When Occlusal Disease Goes Untreated

Without treatment, the teeth will continue to wear down and become worse over time, ultimately leading to tooth loss. The jaw joint and muscles will continue to cause discomfort. Overall, the complexity of the treatment becomes worse. It’s better to solve occlusal disease as early as possible.

How Jackson Family Dentistry Will Treat Occlusal Disease

Once a patient has been diagnosed, Dr. Jackson can prescribe treatment. Depending on the case, this could involve simple orthodontic treatments, mild reshaping of the teeth, restorations of worn teeth, or a combination of several treatments. The earlier the diagnosis, the less complex the treatment needs to be.

The key to preventing occlusal disease starts with a thorough examination and diagnosis of malocclusion. If you are suffering from any of the symptoms mentioned, please let us know so we can take a closer look. Early intervention will help us to avoid costly problems.

If you are concerned about occlusal disease, please let us have a look. Give us a call at (630) 963-6750 or send us an email to schedule a consultation.