Injury from excessive occlusal force applied to teeth with normal supporting tissues describes which condition?

• A. Occlusal trauma
• B. Primary occlusal trauma
• C. Secondary occlusal trauma
• D. Centric occlusal interference

Answer: (B)

Occlusal trauma is classified by how much force is applied and the condition of the supporting tissues. When excessive occlusal force acts on a tooth with normal periodontal support, the injury is called primary occlusal trauma. The periodontium itself is healthy and capable of adapting to regular forces, but the overload pushes it beyond its adaptive range, producing signs like tooth mobility, fremitus, or tenderness, even if the bone and attachments are otherwise intact. If the tooth already has compromised support from periodontal disease, normal forces can still cause injury—this is secondary occlusal trauma. Premature contacts or centric occlusal interferences can contribute to traumatic occlusion, but they refer to specific occlusal relationships rather than the fundamental scenario of excessive force on a healthy periodontium.