Occlusal Considerations for Operative Dentistry

Question 1

What are the baselines for evaluatingthe patient’s occlusion?

Answer 1

• Teeth
• TMJ
• Musculature

Question 2

What are the goals for occlusion for direct restoration?

Answer 2

• Minimize trauma to supporting structures and teeth
• Preserve/maintain remaining structures
• Promote longevity of the restoration
• Restore mastication to a reasonable level

Question 3

What is the definition of occlusion?

Answer 3

The static relationship between the incising and masticating surfaces of the maxillary and mandibular teeth or tooth analogues.

Question 4

What is articulation?

Answer 4

The static and dynamic contact relationship between occlusal surfaces of teeth during function.

Question 5

What should the occlusion be for posterior teeth in stationary position?

Answer 5

Multiple, even, bilateral, and simultaneous occlusal contacts with the mandible in the CR position, are the most desirable

Question 6

The posterior teeth are loaded mainly along the ________ axis of the tooth

Answer 6

long

Question 7

What is axial loading?

Answer 7

Forces are directed over the long axes of teeth.

Question 8

What can happen when there is failure to achieve axial loading?

Answer 8

• Forces could eventually cause cracks, fractures, and wear on teeth
• Trauma to supporting structure: periodontal ligament and surrounding bone
• Possible trauma to the temporomandibular joints (TMD)

Question 9

What should the occlusion be for anterior teeth in stationary position?

Answer 9

Anterior teeth should have LIGHTER occlusal contacts when the posterior teeth are in occlusion. Since the anterior teeth are not loaded axially, they are not able to withstand high loads.

Question 10

In Excursive Movements, optimal occlusal relationships are:

Answer 10

• canine guidance
• anterior guidance

Question 11

If in excursive movements, canine guidance and anterior guidance
are not present, then _________ _______ are present

Answer 11

OCCLUSAL INTEFERENCES

Question 12

What is an occlusal interference?

Answer 12

an unwanted (or premature) interocclusal contact

Question 13

What are the two philosphies of interocclusal contacts?

Answer 13

• Cusp-Fossa contacts
• Cusp-Marginal Ridge contacts

Question 14

What is a cusp-fossa relationship?

Answer 14

Each functional cusp occludes in a fossa of the opposing tooth
* Tooth to Tooth arrangement
* Used when restoring both opposing quadrants of teeth

Question 15

What is a cusp-marginal ridge relationship?

Answer 15

Each Functional cusp contacts the marginal ridges of opposing pair of teeth or fossae of opposing teeth
* A one tooth to two teeth arrangement
* The majority of natural dentitions have this type
* Commonly used for single restorations

Question 16

The cusp-fossa relationship allows only for each cusp to occlude
into _____ fossa.

Answer 16

one

Question 17

Create a plateau, halfway up a cuspal incline, that is __________ to the long axis of the tooth, to serve as a cusp seat.

Answer 17

perpendicular

Question 18

How do you make occlusal adjustments?

Answer 18

• small football-shaped carbide (diamond) bur in a high-speed handpiece
• lightly running the rotating bur over the tooth
• remove only the center of the mark (bull’s eye)