What does “Occlusal adjustment” mean?
Occlusal adjustment is a treatment that examines the contact relationship between the upper and lower teeth and then adjusts the bite by trimming the necessary contact areas. You must distinguish whether you are adjusting the tooth itself or part of the restoration.
If the bite has changed after treatment
If your bite feels uneven while using a temporary filling or temporary crown after root canal treatment, contact the treating dentist. Have the tooth and restoration checked instead of filing them yourself or assuming that all pain comes from excessive height.
Check where to adjust
The explanation will vary depending on whether you are adjusting the restoration surface or preparing the natural tooth. If it is a treatment that removes natural tooth tissue, it is carried out with the understanding that it cannot be reversed and the scope required.
It is not an all-purpose solution for temporomandibular joint disease
Pain in the temporomandibular joint or chewing muscles requires separate diagnosis. Treatments that permanently change the bite with the goal of solving temporomandibular joint disease lack evidence of effectiveness and may worsen symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
If it hurts when I chew after wearing the prosthesis, can I just adjust my occlusion?
In addition to the bite, the condition of the pulp or a crack may be responsible. Treatment is selected after the cause is assessed through symptoms and examinations.
If my jaw makes a sound, do I need to grind my teeth?
Painless temporomandibular joint sounds alone do not necessarily require occlusal adjustment. Symptoms and function are evaluated first.
Questions needed to understand occlusal adjustment
Learn what the term means and how it relates to your dental condition.
- Sufficient understanding
Are you trying to adjust a prosthesis or a natural tooth?
Explanation and evidenceThe target and scope of removal are clearly explained.
American Dental Association · Definition of Dental Terms - A choice suited to your condition
Is there a separate diagnosis for jaw pain?
Explanation and evidenceIf it is a temporomandibular joint problem, check the evidence and alternatives before making an irreversible change in occlusion.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research · TMD
Further reading and references
Further reading
References
- American Dental Association · Definition of Dental Termsada.org (opens in a new tab)
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research · TMDnidcr.nih.gov (opens in a new tab)
- Cleveland Clinic · Dental Crownsmy.clevelandclinic.org (opens in a new tab)
- American Association of Endodontists · Cracked Teethaae.org (opens in a new tab)
- American Association of Endodontists · Management after endodontic treatmentaae.org (opens in a new tab)
