As a leading periodontist in Elizabethtown, KY, Dr. Robert Franklin works hard to ensure that the lives of his patients are not hindered by oral health problems. This is why we offer dental services, such as occlusal adjustment. We want to ensure that nobody is suffering unnecessarily because of poor alignment. It is important to make certain that the pattern of your bite is not impaired because of injury or orthodontic devices. Otherwise, certain disorders may develop and cause significant pain or discomfort in your daily life.

What is occlusal adjustment?

Occlusal adjustment is a procedure which removes small obstructions on the chewing surfaces of your teeth that could interfere with your bite pattern and prevent the jaw from closing properly. These interferences can arise naturally as teeth develop, or may be the result of injury or other dental services such as fillings, crowns, or bridges. When the jaw is unable to close properly, the muscles are never given the chance to fully relax and can cause pain in the head and neck. Additionally, patients with an improper bite may develop issues such as bruxism, or grinding, if the condition goes untreated.

How do I know if my bite is being obstructed?

During typical dental services, Dr. Franklin will examine your bite to ensure there are no issues. He will check to make sure that your jaw is opening properly on both sides and that there are no telltale symptoms such as clicking or grinding sounds, fractured teeth, worn tooth enamel, or other evidence of grinding habits. If you are experiencing chronic head or neck pain as well as bruxism, this might also be a sign that your bite has become misaligned.

How is occlusal adjustment accomplished?

As a leading periodontist in Elizabethtown, KY, Dr. Franklin makes the process of occlusal adjustment as simple as possible. First, you will be asked to bite down on a piece of articulating paper which will color the areas in which your teeth have made contact. Then, Dr. Franklin will smooth the areas that have made contact with the paper just enough to remove the interference. This will be done until all interferences have been removed and your bite has been restored to its natural position. For more information on occlusal adjustment and other dental services, please contact the offices of Dr. Franklin and schedule your consultation today!