Effect of occlusal relationship on periodontal parameters

The role of occlusal forces on dentition affected by periodontal diseases is not well known. Evidence suggests that high occlusal forces alter the extent of destruction and the nature of lesions. The effect of occlusal relationship on the periodontium has not been elucidated despite large number of studies, which have yielded contradictory results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different occlusal relationships on periodontal parameters.

In this cross-sectional study, 60 healthy individuals were selected with anterior rise, cuspid rise, and group function occlusal relationships (n = 20). They had no premature contacts on the balancing side. Periodontal parameters of pocket depth, attachment level, keratinized gingiva, gingival recession and plaque index were recorded. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test (α = 0.05).

Tukey test showed significant differences only in keratinized gingiva between anterior rise and cuspid rise occlusal relationships; in addition, Tukey test revealed significant differences in the upper jaw keratinized gingiva between anterior rise and cuspid rise occlusal relationships (p value < 0.05).

The results of this study did not determine which occlusal relationship is superior to others, although an increase in the keratinized gingiva was noted in cuspid rise occlusal relationship. In other words, all the three relationships had similar effects on periodontal parameters of pocket depth, attachment level, and gingival recession.