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Diagnoses

Secondary occlusal trauma

Common related diagnoses

It is possible that this diagnosis is part of a larger problem. Treating this condition may not treat the underlying cause. This condition may also lead to other problems. Here are some possible related diagnoses to investigate and talk to your dentist about.

Primary occlusal trauma involves heavy forces on the teeth, jaw joints and jaw muscles, in the absence of periodontal disease. It is different from secondary occlusal trauma, but related in that both conditions produce changes in the patient's bite relationship (occlusion).

Malocclusion is an abnormal bite relationship which is developmental—the teeth do not move into their proper position in the jaw, or the jaws themselves are inappropriately aligned.

Post-operative hyperocclusion is a similar condition of temporary malocclusion caused by placement of a dental restoration (filling, crown, etc.) which "hits first" when the patient bites. Most often a simple occlusal adjustment will fix that problem, although replacement of the restoration is sometimes necessary.

Loss of vertical dimension of occlusion (also called "bite collapse") occurs when multiple teeth have been lost, and/or have drifted significantly from their normal position, such that the jaws close together farther than normal.

If the teeth and jaws do not align properly, the temporomandibular joints (i.e. jaw joints) can be negatively affected. This condition is called "temporomandibular joint dysfunction", and is sometimes referred to as "TMJ" or "TMD".

More information on dental diagnoses

Loss of vertical dimension of occlusion
Dental diagnosis image: Bite collapse, Loss of vertical dimension of occlusion
Loss of vertical dimension of occlusion ("bite collapse") occurs in one of two situations. In the first, the patient grinds ("bruxes") their teeth so aggressively, and reduces the biting surfaces so extensively...
Malocclusion
Dental diagnosis image: Malocclusion
Malocclusion is the dental term for an improper bite relationship between the upper and lower teeth. In some cases, the misalignment is due to...
Periodontitis
Dental diagnosis image: Periodontal disease, systemic health
Untreated gingivitis can progress to the point where the gingival attachment fibers to tooth and bone are lost; and beyond that to the point where bone destruction results. This bacterial illness is called periodontal disease, and is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults...
Post-operative hyperocclusion
Dental diagnosis image: Post operative hyperocclusion
Teeth which have recently undergone restorative dental procedures (crown, filling, etc.) may develop bite sensitivity afterwards. If the restoration was made...
Primary occlusal trauma
Dental diagnosis image: Primary occlusal trauma
Tooth enamel is extremely durable, and is normally thick enough to withstand a lifetime of chewing forces. If the dentist notices abnormal wear...
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
Dental diagnosis image: TMJ, TMD, temporomandibular joint dysfunction
Dysfunction in the joints (TMD) includes clicking, popping, locking and grating. Each of these represents a different step along a continuous pathway of successively more-serious problems...