Hygiene Atlas

Atlas · Plate X · Periodontology · 08

Occlusal trauma

Primary occlusal trauma is excessive force on a healthy periodontium; secondary trauma is normal or excessive force on a periodontium already reduced by disease. Look for mobility, fremitus, a widened PDL space, wear facets and pain on biting. Trauma does not start periodontitis on its own but can speed bone loss where inflammation is present.

High-yield facts · 4

  1. Primary occlusal trauma: excessive forces on a normal periodontium. Secondary: normal or excess forces on a reduced periodontium.S12
  2. Signs: mobility, fremitus, widened PDL space, wear facets, pain on biting.T3
  3. Fremitus is vibration felt when the patient taps the teeth together, usually on maxillary teeth.T3
  4. Occlusal trauma does not cause periodontitis by itself but can speed bone loss where inflammation exists.S12

Facts are written in our own words; each tag links to its source. Values marked "sources vary" differ between references, so check the one your program uses.