Dr. Florence recently attended The Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, FL to study advances in occlusal disease and when management is vital to patient health. Dr. Florence also experienced and learned the skills of comprehensive dental evaluation. For the patient, this co-discovery process provides ample opportunity to express concerns and objectives while learning and experiencing her or his own oral health condition in a meaningful way.
Occlusal disease develops when upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly. “TMJ” problems, including pain, may occur as teeth wear against each other. Grinding teeth can make this problem much worse. Even in the absence of pain, the uneven bite is affecting tooth structure, bone, roots, gum tissue, and jaw joints. Excessive wear, cracks, fractures, tooth movement, tooth sensitivity, cavities, and gum disease can all be part of the occlusal disease process.
With appropriate therapy, tooth wear and premature aging of the mouth can be minimized. The highest standard of care consists of customized treatment, appropriate to the individual patient's circumstance. Treatment of occlusal disease may include one or more of the following: bite splint therapy, equilibration (reshaping of the teeth to fit evenly together when biting), orthodontics, replacement of missing teeth, or restoration of damaged teeth. Diagnosing and treating occlusal problems is essential to optimal health, maximum comfort, ideal appearance, and to dentistry that lasts. Having a smile redesign or “cosmetic makeover” that is beautiful is not enough. Teeth need to function properly for long-lasting results.
For more information about comprehensive evaluation and co-discover, or occlusal disease and its diagnosis and treatment, visit www.pankeydentist.org.
Founded in 1972, The Pankey Institute is a nonprofit organization that promotes optimal oral health care through advanced continuing education for dentists (www.pankey.org and www.pankeydentist.org) . It was the first institute of its kind and remains among the most prestigious, attracting dentists from 42 nations to its educational programs. It is estimated that nearly 20,000 dentists and specialists have attended its courses and now serve millions of patients worldwide. |
