Which term describes trauma that results from occlusal forces exceeding the reparative capacity of the attachment tissues?

Which term describes trauma that results from occlusal forces exceeding the reparative capacity of the attachment tissues?

• A. Centric occlusal interference
• B. Occlusal trauma
• C. Primary occlusal trauma
• D. Secondary occlusal trauma

Answer: (B)

Occlusal trauma is the injury to the periodontium caused by occlusal forces that the tissues cannot fully repair. When bite forces exceed the reparative capacity of the attachment tissues, trauma results, and this is covered under the umbrella term occlusal trauma. If the periodontal support is still healthy, excessive forces create primary occlusal trauma; if the support is reduced due to disease, normal forces can cause secondary occlusal trauma. The question describes the general situation of forces overtaking reparative capacity, so the broad term occlusal trauma fits best.

Occlusal trauma is the injury to the periodontium caused by occlusal forces that the tissues cannot fully repair. When bite forces exceed the reparative capacity of the attachment tissues, trauma results, and this is covered under the umbrella term occlusal trauma. If the periodontal support is still healthy, excessive forces create primary occlusal trauma; if the support is reduced due to disease, normal forces can cause secondary occlusal trauma. The question describes the general situation of forces overtaking reparative capacity, so the broad term occlusal trauma fits best.