What does “Occlusal surface” mean?
The occlusal surface is the surface where the premolars and molars chew food and come into contact with the opposing teeth. It has cusps and several grooves that distinguish it from the sides and front of the tooth.
Where do occlusal cavities occur?
Food and plaque are easily left behind in the narrow and deep grooves of molars. Not all dark grooves are cavities, so check the surface condition and depth of the lesion. It is difficult to judge the extent of internal damage just by the size of the visible spot.
How to distinguish between prevention and treatment methods?
Depending on tooth condition and decay risk, preventive care such as sealing the grooves may be considered. If decay has already damaged the tooth, a restoration suited to the extent of damage may be needed. Preventive sealants differ from resin fillings or inlays that restore damaged areas.
Why check the height after restoration
The shape of the occlusal surface is linked to chewing function and bite. If you feel the new restoration touching too early or experiencing discomfort when chewing, please let us know where and when. It's not only important that it looks smooth on the outside, but also that you can chew and clean it comfortably. The occlusal surface refers to one side of the teeth, and occlusion refers to the relationship between the upper and lower teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the term occlusal surface also used for front teeth?
Medical records often refer to the chewing surfaces of the molars. The cutting ends of the front teeth are distinguished by different expressions, such as the incisal surface.
If the molar grooves are black, are they all cavities?
Staining and cavities can be difficult to distinguish based on appearance alone. The condition of the lesion and, if necessary, images are checked to determine whether to receive treatment.
I only treated the occlusal surface, but do you also check between the teeth?
Lesions on the chewing surface and between teeth are in different locations. In addition to treating one surface, the adjacent surfaces and bite can also be assessed.
Occlusal surface: 3 things to check during dental care
Please review the questions to ask before deciding on treatment and the treatment standards of TU Dental Clinic.
- A choice suited to your condition
Can you distinguish between black pigmentation and lesions that require treatment?
TU Dental Clinic’s treatment standardsTU Dental Clinic determines the scope of treatment by checking the tooth structure and bite, gum condition, and existing treatment history.
TU’s natural tooth preservation treatment philosophy - Preservation of natural teeth
Are observation, prevention, and restoration compared according to the extent of the lesion?
TU Dental Clinic’s treatment standardsTU Dental Clinic examines the remaining tooth tissue and determines the scope of treatment by distinguishing between functionally necessary treatment and aesthetic adjustments.
TU’s natural tooth preservation treatment philosophy - Care after treatment
Does the clinic check the contact and cleanliness of the chewing surface after restoration?
TU Dental Clinic’s treatment standardsTU Dental Clinic provides guidance on hygiene and regular check-ups after gum treatment. Ask about care suited to your teeth and gum condition.
Integrated treatment that examines cavities and gums together
Further reading and references
References
- ADA · Glossary of dental termsada.org (opens in a new tab)
- Cleveland Clinic · Cavitiesmy.clevelandclinic.org (opens in a new tab)
- HL7 · ADA Tooth Surface Codesterminology.hl7.org (opens in a new tab)
- NIDCR · Dental sealantsnidcr.nih.gov (opens in a new tab)
- American Association of Endodontists · Cracked teethaae.org (opens in a new tab)
