OCCLUSAL ADJUSTMENT TO CORRECT MALOCOLUSION
An occlusal adjustment is a procedure that is performed in order to reorganize or adjust your occlusion (bite) to create an even redistribution of forces across dental arches, and to create a better position of the condyles in the fossae. Malocclusion may occur for several reasons, including an imbalanced match between the size of the person’s jaw and the size of their teeth, oral habits, such as thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting, missing teeth, congenital defects, or trauma. Malocclusion can also occur inadvertently, such as when a filling or crown has been placed and has a slightly incorrect contour, which in turn causes the jaws to make contact prematurely, and for the force of the bite to localize on one tooth. As a result of this slight malocclusion, over time this tooth become tenders due to the additional force, and the periodontal ligament becomes inflamed. Additional issues that can develop due to an uneven or incorrect bite include the following:
- Bruxism
- Headaches/migraines
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Neckaches
- Gum/bone recession
- Tooth loss
- Damaged nerves or muscle
- Damaged dental restorations
- Joint/muscle spasms in jaw, neck, or face
- Increased risk of periodontal disease
An occlusal adjustment can be an effective method for addressing and correcting these issues and ensuring that additional issues do not develop in the future.
At Coastal Jaw Surgery, every patient who walks through our door will receive VIP Treatment delivered by dedicated professionals who are leaders in their fields and ready to provide you with personalized care using the most cutting-edge dental technology available. For over three decades, we have proudly provided thousands of patients in the Tampa Bay area with dental implant and oral surgery services, including oral surgery, Same Day Teeth®, and periodontal services. To schedule an appointment for an occlusal analysis and adjustment, contact us today at (800) NEW-LOOK.
Oral Surgery REVIEWS
Dr. Michael A. Pikos
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Michael A. Pikos is the CEO and Founder of Coastal Jaw Surgery, now celebrating its 40th anniversary. He is also the CEO and Founder of the world renowned Pikos Institute in Trinity, FL. He is recognized as a world authority on dental implant surgical reconstruction.
Dr. Kenneth L.
Anderson
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Nicole Hernandez
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Andrew
Lalli
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Othman
Rezki
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
Dr. Lindsey
Pikos Rosati
Periodontist
Dr. Anthony M. Pikos
Periodontist
Dr. Bashar Adeinat
Periodontist
Dr. Philip J.
Hedger
Prosthodontist
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE OCCLUSAL ANALYSIS AND ADJUSTMENT PROCESS
Prior to performing an occlusal adjustment, we will conduct a thorough examination of your oral health to determine any underlying conditions that need to be addressed. We will also take diagnostic exams, including a 3D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan, which will provide us with 3D images of your bone, nerve pathways, soft tissues, and teeth, which will allow us to better examine your bite for proper positioning, balance, and stability. Once we have a thorough understanding of your bite dynamics, which includes timing, location, and occlusal force, a treatment plan can be developed.
During the occlusal adjustment process, we will do everything we can to ensure that you experience minimal discomfort, which is why we offer varying levels of sedation, including oral sedatives, nitrous oxide, and intravenous (IV) sedation. The next step in the treatment process will depend on the underlying issue causing your malocclusion, which may be as simple as selectively grinding areas of enamel, evaluating the bite, then removing more layers as necessary until the bite is properly adjusted. Occlusal adjustment may also require more complex corrective measures such as invasive surgical procedures that involve moving, realigning or modifying bone to correct a jaw that is or has become improperly aligned.
An occlusal adjustment may also involve replacing loosened or ill-fitting fillings with dental crowns designed to create a proper occlusion, or repairing teeth that are broken, cracked, or chipped. Orthodontic treatment may also be included as part of the occlusal adjustment process, which may include traditional braces, Invisalign, or traditional braces used in conjunction with the Wilckodontics procedure.
If occlusal adjustment is being performed to correct TMJ disorder, additional treatment may also be necessary, such as a TMJ arthroscopy, modified condylotomy, arthrocentesis, BOTOX/Corticosteroid Injections, and in more extreme cases, open-joint surgery. Regardless of the procedure being performed, our surgical team is ready to provide safe and effective treatment using advanced techniques to create proper occlusion and restore and/or improve your overall functionality.
Pinellas Periodontics
at Clearwater
3003 Enterprise Rd E
Clearwater, FL 33759
(727) 799-4492
Coastal Jaw Surgery
at Palm Harbor
2711 Tampa Rd.
Palm Harbor, FL 34684
(727) 786-1631
Coastal Jaw Surgery
at Spring Hill
4372 Commercial Way
Spring Hill, FL 34606
(352) 596-6804
Coastal Jaw Surgery
at Tampa
11940 Sheldon Rd
Tampa, FL 33626
(727) 877-0011
Coastal Jaw Surgery
at Trinity
8845 Hawbuck St
Trinity, FL 34655
(727) 375-0469
COST OF OCCLUSAL ANALYSIS AND ADJUSTMENT
The cost of occlusal adjustment will depend on a variety of factors, including what procedures are performed as part of your treatment plan, what type of dental sedation is used, and (if applicable) your dental insurance plan coverage. At Coastal Jaw Surgery, we are committed to providing you with high-quality oral care in a manner that is simple and efficient. To help meet your unique budget and needs, we offer the following financing options:
- Carecredit® Healthcare Financing (interest free financing for dental care)
- GreenSky® Patient Financing
- Lending Club Patient Financing
We also accept traditional insurance, and as courtesy to you, are happy to file and track your insurance claim and assist with insurance family plans. To help facilitate this process, please have your insurance information prepared at your appointment, including your insurance and identification card. To help you maximize your benefits, we are also happy to provide a written diagnostic report and X-rays to your insurance company if necessary.
Please note: Dental insurance only covers part of your total expenses and remaining out-of-pocket expenses must be paid following service. We accept cash, debit cards, and most major credit cards (MasterCard, VISA, Discover, American Express).
Contact Coastal Jaw Surgery
In addition to maintaining a private practice, Dr. Pikos also founded the Pikos Institute in 1990, a now globally recognized teaching organization that provides surgical and technology-based training for clinicians throughout the country to perform predictable, prosthetically driven implant dentistry. Whether you are having oral surgery, dental implants, or periodontal services, you can feel confident that you are receiving care from oral health professionals who are at the forefront of oral surgery education and leaders in the fields of periodontal services and implant dentistry.
To learn more about our clinic and services, or to schedule an appointment for an occlusal analysis and adjustment, contact us today at (800) 639-5665 or fill out an online form.
At Coastal Jaw Surgery, we are committed to improving your oral health, aesthetic appearance of your smile, and overall quality of life!