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In My Opinion
The majority of problems we are observing in dentistry today
(broken and worn teeth, periodontal bone loss, and TMD) have one
common denominator: chronic grinding and clenching of the teeth.
It should be given priority. Treatment for DCS begins with:
- Recognition and diagnosis of the disease. Determining and
defining the signs of fatigue in the oral environment is
critically important.
- Investigation of the cause by conducting a thorough review
and evaluation of the patient's oral history. There may be
more than one cause of the dysfunction.
- Determination of whether or not the patient actually
requires an occlusal adjustment. If an adjustment is
recommended, the patient should be shown the areas needing
adjustment, and informed of the likely results if not
corrected.
If the patient continues to compress his or her teeth for other
reasons, a guard most be worn. In addition, biofeedback and
hypnotism can be considered, massage to the affected areas
encouraged, and the chewing of gum and hard foods discouraged.
Curriculum Vitae
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