Occlusal Trauma
Injury to the attachment apparatus resulting from excessive or abnormal occlusal forces that exceed the adaptive capacity of the periodontal tissues.
Full Definition
Occlusal trauma is classified as primary (occurring in a periodontium with normal bone support but subjected to excessive force) or secondary (occurring when normal or excessive forces act on a periodontium with reduced bone support due to periodontal disease). It is important to note that occlusal trauma is not considered an initiating cause of gingivitis or periodontitis but may act as a co-destructive factor. Clinical signs include tooth mobility, fremitus, widening of the periodontal ligament space on radiographs, and angular bone loss. The distinction between primary and secondary occlusal trauma must be maintained precisely in clinical and medico-legal documents, and editors should flag any ambiguity.
Usage
Usage note: Editors must preserve the primary/secondary distinction when editing clinical records or manuscripts. 'Traumatic occlusion' is an older synonym; contemporary guidelines prefer 'occlusal trauma.'
In Context
- "Secondary occlusal trauma was identified as a contributing factor to the accelerated bone loss observed in the lower anterior sextant." — Periodontal diagnosis record
- "The authors distinguish clearly between primary and secondary occlusal trauma in their discussion of co-destructive factors." — Review article