HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What is meant by occlusal trauma?

1. An injury due to excessive tooth grinding

2. An injury from one tooth hitting another prematurely

3. An injury resulting from tooth extraction

4. An injury caused by decay

The correct answer is: An injury from one tooth hitting another prematurely

Occlusal trauma refers specifically to injury or damage that occurs to the teeth, gums, or supporting structures as a result of abnormal occlusion, which is the contact between the biting surfaces of the upper and lower teeth. When one tooth makes contact with another prematurely, it can lead to various issues such as tooth mobility, sensitivity, and even periodontal problems. This premature contact disrupts the normal force distribution that occurs during biting and chewing, leading to stress on specific teeth and supporting structures. While excessive tooth grinding, known as bruxism, can lead to occlusal trauma, it is not the sole definition of this term. Injuries resulting from tooth extraction typically involve other complications or immediate tissue trauma but do not address the concept of occlusion. Additionally, decay causes damage to tooth structure but does not directly relate to the positional relationships of the teeth when they come together. Thus, the essence of occlusal trauma is better captured by the concept of premature contact between teeth, which directly influences how they interact during function.