Occlusal Analysis and Adjustment

Occlusion is a term that refers to how your teeth contact one another. This encompasses the upper and lower teeth and can be applied to the ways in which your teeth contact each other while resting or while chewing.

Occlusal Analysis
& Adjustment

Occlusion is a term that refers to how your teeth contact one another. This encompasses the upper and lower teeth and can be applied to the ways in which your teeth contact each other while resting or while chewing.

Occlusal Analysis and Adjustment in Port Huron, MI

Occlusion refers to the way your upper and lower teeth come together when you bite, chew, or close your mouth. Ideally, the teeth should contact in a balanced way that distributes pressure evenly. When the bite is uneven, or certain teeth make contact too early, the condition is known as malocclusion.

Malocclusion may be related to natural tooth alignment, tooth loss, dental restorations, trauma, or other changes within the mouth. Over time, an uneven bite can place excessive stress on the teeth, gums, jaw joints, and surrounding muscles. This may contribute to problems such as:

  • Bruxism
  • Chipped, cracked, or worn teeth
  • TMJ discomfort
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Headaches
  • Gum or bone recession
  • Muscle or jaw soreness
  • Damage to dental restorations
  • Increased stress on the supporting tissues of the teeth

An occlusal analysis allows us to evaluate how your teeth come together and identify areas where excessive or uneven pressure may be occurring. When appropriate, an occlusal adjustment can be performed to improve the balance of your bite and reduce stress on the teeth and surrounding structures.

At Periodontic Associates of Port Huron, we provide personalized care based on each patient’s oral health and individual needs. In addition to occlusal analysis and adjustment, our office offers periodontal maintenance, laser dentistry, bone grafting, dental implants, and a variety of other periodontal services.

To learn more about occlusal analysis and adjustment, please continue reading below. To schedule an appointment, contact Periodontic Associates of Port Huron at (810) 987-1400.

Trust Our
Periodontal & Dental Implant Specialists

Become a patient of our practice, and you will be treated to an unparalleled dental experience. We pride ourselves on going the extra mile to take care of our patients and consistently provide the high level of service you deserve.

Meet Dr. Jason Souyias
MEET DR. Krupa Patel

What to Expect During the Occlusal Analysis and Adjustment Process

As part of the occlusal analysis process, we will also conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, plaque, and bone structure and review your medical and oral health history. It may also be necessary to take an X-Ray or other diagnostic exam to identify underlying issues and determine whether occlusal adjustment is necessary. If it is determined that occlusal adjustment is the best treatment option for you, the procedure will typically include the following steps:

  • A local anesthetic and/or dental sedation may be administered to reduce pain, discomfort, and/or anxiety during the procedure.
  • The next step will vary depending upon the nature of your malocclusion. In most cases, malocclusion can be corrected by removing small amounts of the tooth structure until the proper bite is achieved.
  • Patients whose malocclusion is due to additional underlying issues may have a range of procedures performed in addition to or independent of this incremental removal, such as dental crowns lengthening, crown restoration, and/or root canal therapy. Orthodontic treatment is also commonly used as part of the occlusal adjustment process.

How Much Does Occlusal Analysis and Adjustment Cost?

At Periodontic Associates of Port Huron, we are committed to making sure you understand what the cost of treatment will be and will do everything we can to help you maximize your dental health benefits and explore third-party financing plans if necessary. One of our business coordinators will be happy to conduct a complimentary benefits analysis for you when you are in the office.

If you do not have insurance and are concerned about the cost of periodontal care, you are not alone. We understand that the cost of periodontal treatment is one of the biggest concerns our patients have and are committed to ensuring our patients receive the care they deserve and that the cost of treatment does not prevent this from happening. To learn more about all the financial options we offer, contact our office today.

For your convenience, we accept cash, check, credit cards, and financing.

Contact Our
Professionals

Our goal is to help you achieve and maintain a beautiful and healthy smile for life. Let our experienced team create a treatment plan that will improve your oral health and enhance your quality of life.

Occlusal Analysis and Adjustment and TMJ Treatment

One of the most common reasons patients seek an occlusal analysis and adjustment is to treat TMJ-related issues. Although an occlusal adjustment may significantly improve TMJ symptoms, it is often performed in conjunction with additional methods of treatment. Surgical treatment for TMJ is avoided if possible, but patients who do not have success with non-surgical treatments or whose TMJ is not corrected by an occlusal adjustment may consider the following surgical treatments:

  • Arthrocentesis: Removes inflammatory byproducts and debris by irrigating fluids through the joint.
  • BOTOX/Corticosteroid Injections: Although not successful for everyone, some patients experience rapid relief following an injection of BOTOX or a corticosteroid into the joint, though the pain relief tends to be for a limited time, which means additional shots are necessary.
  • Modified condylotomy: Joint space is increased to relieve TMJ pain.
  • TMJ arthroscopy: A close view of the jaw joint is taken using a video lens and monitor to determine the underlying cause of TMJ symptoms. Following this, inflamed tissue is removed, the area is rinsed, and the jaw joint is realigned.
  • Open-joint surgery: Typically avoided if possible, open-joint surgery can be an incredibly effective treatment option for correcting TMJ; however, it is the most invasive approach and has increased risks compared to other methods. If you are considering open-joint surgery, make sure that you are aware of and comfortable with these risks before scheduling the procedure.

Beautiful Smiles
Last a Lifetime

Our goal is to help you achieve and maintain a beautiful and healthy smile for life. Whether this can be achieved with dental implants, bone grafting procedures, laser dentistry protocols, or other periodontal services, we will work to ensure you can maintain that beautiful smile for years to come.

Read Our Reviews

Personalized Care and High Quality Services

At Periodontic Associates of Port Huron, we are committed to providing a comfortable, personalized experience built around your individual needs. Our experienced team takes the time to get to know each patient, answer questions, and understand your concerns and treatment goals. We believe that trust and open communication are essential to providing high-quality periodontal care.

If you have questions about occlusal analysis and adjustment or would like to schedule an appointment, contact Periodontic Associates of Port Huron at (810) 987-1400.

We look forward to helping you achieve a healthier, more confident smile.

Authentic & Satisfied.
Patient Outcomes.