When the alignment is off — due to crooked teeth, poorly fitted restorations, or gum disease — excessive or uneven pressure can occur on specific teeth. This condition is called traumatic occlusion, and it can cause tooth mobility, pain, and gradual damage to the supporting bone and gums.
If left untreated, traumatic occlusion can lead to chronic discomfort, enamel wear, and even tooth loss. At Brisbane Emergency Dentist, our experienced clinicians diagnose and treat occlusal trauma to restore bite balance and prevent long-term complications.
Traumatic occlusion can be classified as acute or chronic, and as primary or secondary based on its cause and severity.
Occurs suddenly due to an unexpected force — for example, biting on a hard object, or pressure from a newly placed filling or crown that’s too high. The excessive stress can damage the tooth, ligament, or surrounding bone.
Develops gradually from prolonged, uneven biting forces — often caused by misaligned teeth, bruxism (grinding), or ill-fitting dental work. The gums and supporting tissues experience ongoing strain, resulting in mobility or bone loss over time.
Happens when abnormal biting forces act on otherwise healthy teeth and supporting tissues.
Occurs when normal biting forces affect teeth with pre-existing gum or bone loss, making them more susceptible to further damage.
Trauma from occlusion can arise from various factors, including:
- Biting or chewing on hard substances.
- Poorly fitted dental restorations or crowns.
- Tooth misalignment or crowding.
- Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism).
- Gum disease leading to bone loss and shifting teeth.
Signs and symptoms may vary from mild to severe and can affect both teeth and the jaw joint (TMJ). Common symptoms include:
- Pain or discomfort when chewing.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and liquids.
- Teeth that feel loose or tender.
- Worn, flattened, or chipped biting surfaces.
- Gum recession or exposed root surfaces.
- Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joint.
- Shifting or spacing between teeth.
- Facial pain or headaches due to jaw strain.
If you experience any of these symptoms, prompt dental evaluation is recommended to prevent further tooth or bone damage.
During your consultation, our dentists will perform a detailed clinical and radiographic assessment to determine the cause and severity of occlusal trauma.
This includes:
- Checking for tooth mobility, wear patterns, and bite alignment.
- Using digital X-rays to assess bone support around affected teeth.
- Evaluating dental restorations that may be altering bite balance.
- Reviewing your dental and medical history to identify contributing factors such as grinding or jaw clenching.
An accurate diagnosis allows us to plan the most effective treatment for restoring bite harmony and protecting your teeth.
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the trauma. At Brisbane Emergency Dentist, we provide customised solutions such as:
- Occlusal Adjustment: Reshaping or polishing the biting surfaces of teeth to evenly distribute pressure.
- Splint or Night Guard Therapy: A custom-made guard prevents teeth grinding during sleep, reducing pressure and protecting enamel.
- Restorative Treatment: Repairing or replacing defective fillings, crowns, or bridges to correct bite height.
- Orthodontic Treatment: In cases of misalignment, braces or aligners may be recommended to achieve proper bite balance.
Our goal is to relieve discomfort, prevent further tooth damage, and restore a healthy, functional bite.
If you notice pain, looseness, or discomfort when biting, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Our Brisbane emergency dentists are available to diagnose and treat traumatic occlusion promptly.