Non-Working Contact Does Not Initiate Primary Occlusal Trauma

Abstract

Purpose: The role of occlusion in the progression of periodontal disease has long been discussed, and occlusal trauma is considered a cofactor that allows absorption of the alveolar bone, which might temporarily or permanently increase tooth mobility. In general practice, occlusion has been evaluated during border and tapping movements to detect and remove premature and non-working contacts. Since previous studies have compared occlusion with periodontal tissue that might have a periodontal problem, it has been difficult to differentiate primary and secondary occlusal trauma. This study focused on primary occlusal trauma and evaluates the relationship between tooth contact during lateral excursions and periodontal status.Methods: Teeth without periodontal disease were studied in 50 men and 50 women and classified into two groups according to the presence or absence of non-working contacts. Probing depth, clinical attachment levels, and tooth mobility were compared between the two groups.Results: There was no significant difference in the Periotest value, probing depths and clinical attachment levels of the first and the second molars between teeth with and without non-working contacts.Conclusion: The results of this study pose questions regarding the importance of examinations of tooth contact during lateral excursion and occlusal adjustment based on this examination. Since the significance of non-working contact as a causative factor of occlusal trauma was not proved, the validity of occlusal adjustment for eliminating non-working contact is questionable.