Periodontology, P.C.

07/09/2026

Occlusal Periodontitis

Occlusal periodontitis typically refers to the combination of plaque-induced gum disease and occlusal trauma (injury to the tissues supporting the teeth caused by excessive or misaligned biting forces). It is characterized by progressive tooth mobility, pain on chewing, and vertical bone loss.

Types of Occlusal Trauma in Periodontitis

Understanding how your bite interacts with gum disease is key to managing the condition:

Secondary Occlusal Trauma:
This occurs when a patient has a periodontium that is already compromised by existing periodontal disease. Normal or even light biting forces can then cause further damage to the weakened supporting bone and ligaments.

Primary Occlusal Trauma:
This happens when abnormally high forces (e.g., from teeth grinding or clenching) act on an otherwise healthy periodontium, though it does not initiate periodontitis by itself.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

You can spot traumatic occlusion through the following symptoms and diagnostic markers:
*Increasing tooth mobility or a "drifting" of the teeth.
*Pain, tenderness, or sensitivity when chewing or pressing on the teeth.
*Radiographic signs: Dentists often look for a widened periodontal ligament (PDL) space, angular bone defects, and thickened lamina dura on X-rays.

Management and Treatment

Treatment generally follows a two-step approach prioritized by controlling active infection before altering the bite:
1.Inflammation Control: The initial focus is to resolve the bacterial infection. This includes professional dental cleanings, scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), and maintaining diligent at-home oral hygiene.
2.Occlusal Therapy: Once the inflammation is under control, your periodontist may employ various methods to correct the bite and stabilize the teeth. Options include occlusal adjustment (reshaping the biting surfaces), using a nighttime bite splint/mouthguard, orthodontic treatment, or temporary/permanent splinting of the loose teeth.

*Are you noticing any tooth mobility or gum recession?
*Do you experience jaw pain or headaches (especially in the morning)?
*Have you been diagnosed with gum disease by a professional?

W. Philip Urling, D.D.S.
wtbyperio.com

06/19/2026

Sharing fun times & laughs welcoming in the summer season on a beautiful evening....

06/04/2026

Attending the Feed The Need Charity Dinner 2026
A Benefit to Support GWIM’s Battle to Eliminate Hunger...

05/09/2026

Advantages of a Immediate Anterior Implant Crown placement in the Esthetic zone....

Anterior implant crowns in the esthetic zone, particularly with immediate provisionalization, offer superior esthetics by maintaining soft tissue contours and papilla height, minimizing buccal bone resorption, and providing immediate psychological and functional benefits to patients.

Key Advantages:

Enhanced Esthetics & Tissue Management: Immediate provisionalization allows for shaping the gingiva, maintaining soft tissue contours, and preserving papillary architecture, which is crucial for a natural, aesthetic outcome.

Reduced Treatment Time & Fewer Appointments: Replacing a tooth immediately after extraction reduces the total number of surgical procedures and visits, shortening the overall treatment timeline.

Preventing Bone Resorption: Immediate placement often minimizes bone loss, especially when dealing with the thin labial bone in the anterior region, compared to traditional delayed approaches.

Immediate Psychological Benefit: Patients avoid the need for a removable temporary, leaving with a fixed, natural-looking temporary crown on the same day as surgery.

Maintains Natural Contour: The provisional crown supports the gum tissue immediately upon extraction, which is essential for maintaining a normal gingival zenith and avoiding gingival recession.

Key Considerations:

Case Selection: Success depends on having sufficient, healthy bone for primary implant stability (typically determined using a CBCT scan).

Requires Expertise: This approach requires high-level periodontal implantology surgical and restorative skills, often involving immediate grafting to secure the result.

W. Philip Urling, D.D.S.
wtbyperio.com

Waterbury CT Periodontist Dr. Urling offers periodontic services including dental implants, cosmetic periodontal surgery, gum grafting & crown lengthening. 203.753.9905