How Thornwood Family Dental Treats Occlusal Disease
What Is Occlusal Disease?
At Thornwood Family Dental in South Elgin, one of our dental care services is occlusal disease treatment. Occlusal disease is when a patient’s bite is not properly aligned. Because of the poor alignment, every time they bite down, the pressure begins to create problems with the teeth, muscles, jaw bone, and jaw joint. Occlusal disease is one of the most common dental disorders. It is also the most undiagnosed in dental care.
Why Occlusal Disease Often Goes Undiagnosed
Here are several reasons why occlusal disease might not be promptly identified:
- Gradual Onset: The problem tends to develop gradually over time. Patients may not notice significant changes in their bite alignment or dental health until symptoms become more pronounced. The slow progression can make it challenging for individuals to recognize there is an issue, and dentists may not detect it during routine check-ups.
- Varied Symptoms: The symptoms can manifest in various ways, such as worn enamel, tooth sensitivity, headaches, or jaw pain. The diverse range of symptoms may not be immediately associated with a bite misalignment, leading to the underdiagnosis of the condition.
- Lack of Patient Awareness: Patients might not be aware of the potential impact of a misaligned bite on their overall oral health. Since the symptoms can be subtle or attributed to other causes, individuals may not seek dental attention until the condition has progressed.
- Focus on Aesthetics: Dental visits are often centered around aesthetic concerns or acute issues, diverting attention from the functional aspects of the bite. Patients may prioritize cosmetic treatments over addressing underlying bite problems, contributing to the oversight of occlusal disease.
- Complex Diagnosis: Diagnosing occlusal disease requires a comprehensive understanding of dental occlusion, jaw function, and related symptoms. Some dental professionals may not routinely perform the detailed assessments necessary to identify subtle misalignments or functional issues.
- Patient Reluctance: Patients may not always communicate or recognize symptoms related to their bite. Discomfort or changes in oral function might be downplayed or overlooked during dental visits, making it challenging for dentists to identify occlusal disease without clear patient input.
The Impacts of Undiagnosed Occlusal Disease
Symptoms are varied. The consequences extend beyond mere discomfort, impacting the teeth, muscles, jaw bone, and jaw joint with each bite. Recognizing the symptoms is crucial, as the disorder can manifest in various ways. Worn-down enamel at the point where upper and lower teeth meet is a common sign, often accompanied by visible wear on the teeth. This wear can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, heightened vulnerability to fractures, and an overall compromised structural integrity.
With occlusal disease, teeth can also become loose and move much easier, often growing sensitive to temperature changes and sore from biting. They can even fracture easier. Beyond dental repercussions, occlusal disease extends its impact to the jaw and joints. The jaw muscles may become sore and painful, and patients frequently report headaches.
When Occlusal Disease Goes Untreated
Without treatment, the teeth will continue to wear down and become worse over time, sometimes leading to tooth loss. The jaw muscles and joints will continue to cause discomfort as well. The longer occlusal disease goes untreated, the more complex the treatment will need to be, which is why it’s better to begin treatment as early as possible.
How Thornwood Family Dental Will Treat Occlusal Disease
Once diagnosed, Dr. Zamir can prescribe treatment. Depending on your case, it could involve simple orthodontic treatments, mild reshaping of the teeth, restorations of worn teeth, or a combination of several treatments. The earlier we diagnose, the less complex the treatment. Depending on the severity of the case, the treatment approach may involve simple orthodontic interventions, minor reshaping of the teeth, or restorations for worn teeth.
In some cases, a combination of these treatments may be recommended. Early intervention not only ensures a less complex treatment process but also minimizes the risk of long-term complications. At Thornwood Family Dental in South Elgin, we are committed to providing comprehensive care, guiding our patients towards optimal oral health and well-being.
The key to preventing damage from occlusal disease is examination and diagnosis. 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 prevent more costly problems. Give us a call at (847) 888-1999 or send us an email to schedule a consultation. You can learn more about us by checking our business page, and make sure to get directions before heading our way.
