Occlusal relations and periodontal status in human adults

A group of 66 adults provided the population for study of relations between various clinical parameters and periodontal status. Dental and habit histories and plaque scores were acquired. Occlusal features included classification of malocclusion, analysis of centric displacement, establishment of patterns of lateral and protrusive excursions, identification of tooth contacts and presence of wear facets. Periodontal analysis included pocket depths, radiographic manifestations and extent of mobility. Class I malocclusion predominated and the majority of patients did not have coincidental centric relation and centric occlusion. Group function is the most common lateral excursive pattern in the adult. Nonfunctional contacts are common as is enamel attrition. Results indicate no significant deleterious influence on the status of the periodontium by occlusal disharmonies.