Injury resulting in tissue changes within the attachment apparatus due to occlusal forces exceeding reparative capacity is defined as which?

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

Answer: (A)

Occlusal trauma is injury to the periodontal attachment caused by occlusal forces that exceed the tissues’ reparative capacity. When forces are beyond what the periodontium can adapt to, the attachment apparatus responds with remodeling, and persistent overload leads to tissue changes such as widening of the periodontal ligament space, possible lamina dura changes, bone remodeling or loss, and increased tooth mobility. This description directly matches the scenario of tissue changes arising from forces that exceed reparative capacity. If the excessive force acts on a tooth with normal support, it’s primary occlusal trauma; if the tooth already has reduced support and normal or excessive force is applied, it’s secondary occlusal trauma. Centric occlusal interference relates to premature contacts in centric that can cause trauma in some cases, but the general definition of tissue injury from forces exceeding reparative capacity aligns best with occlusal trauma as a whole.