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Diagnoses

Secondary occlusal trauma

Establishing this diagnosis

Establishing a diagnosis involves examination, review of medical and dental history, clinical data analysis, and tests that are specific to your condition. Only a dentist can evaluate your signs and symptoms to establish a diagnosis.

The dentist will also evaluate the condition of the periodontal structures (gums and bone) around your teeth. A periodontal measuring probe is used to measure the depth of gum pockets around the teeth. Measurements of 4 millimeters or more support indicate attachment loss, which support a diagnosis of "periodontitis" (or "periodontal disease"). If there is inflammation (red, puffy gums that bleed easily when gently stimulated) and attachment loss, active periodontal disease is diagnosed. If the teeth are also loose, abnormally tipped, and/or have moved, the "secondary occlusal trauma" diagnosis will also be established. It is possible to have both diagnoses simultaneously.