Abstract
There has been cosiderable discussion concerning whether or not occlusal problems induce temporomandibular joint dysfunction. This has been a matter of great concern in the field of dentistry for many years. Ever since the concept of occlusal disease was put forward in recent years which says occlusal problems, in particular premature contacts, are related to emotional and psychological stress, in daily clinical dentistry attention has come to be centered for the most part on occlusal interferences.
We discussed the relationship of what is called temporomandibular joint dysfunction and occlusal problems, centering on a portion of our test results which investigated the influence on the body of a small trial occlusal interference of 100 microns thickness.
Because even an easily overlooked, small occlusal interference in daily clinical practice can exert considerable influence on various parts of the body, and because it has been suggested that this may be the primary factor in what is called temporomandibular joint dysfunction, we dentists must be aware of the importance of occlusion on the masticatory and functional occlusion systems, as well as other areas which are affected by occlusion.
