The evaluation of occlusal dysfunctional therapy

PODRs incorporate medical recording procedures for dentistry. Because of their size, these records do not lend themselves to private practice use. Occlusal screening procedures can be used to illuminate the need for occlusal examination. These procedures have a high degree of predictability and provide the essential elements of the PODR without the disadvantage of requiring a complete occlusal examination for each patient. Occlusal and TMJ examination are in general use. It is important to provide space for a differential diagnosis as a means of ensuring that all modes of therapy are considered. Dysfunction of the stomatognathic system occurs when the sum total of host resistance, dental, and other factors exceed a threshold. A concept based on an alterable threshold in relation to these factors has been presented. When therapy is required for breakdown of the stomatognathic system, multiple treatment choices exist. The multitherapeutic approach can provide for a synergistic effect to accelerate and enhance treatment. Use of a POSA is an integral part of an office PODR. A scoring system with a differentiation of six is recommended to ensure an adequate and accurate stomatognathic evaluation.