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:

1. Recognition and diagnosis of the disease. Determining and defining the signs of fatigue in the oral environment is critically important.
    
2. 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.
    
3. 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