Periapical Lesions Associated with Bruxism - Case Reports

Emilia Karova

Abstract: Bruxism is a parafunctional medical condition characterized by excessive masticatory muscle function resulting in clenching or grinding of the teeth during sleep (sleep bruxism) or wakefulness (awake bruxism). It is usually easily detected due to its effects, most commonly pain in the masticatory muscles or temporomandibular joint, headaches, prosthodontic complications, tooth mobility, mechanical tooth wear and cracked or split teeth. The multifactorial etiology of bruxism is difficult to be established and requires a careful medical and social history and additional tests to enable a correct diagnosis. With the description of the two cases, we want to draw attention to patients defined as high-risk for bruxism and to emphasize the importance of preventive projects and the need for appropriate treatment of the parafunctional activity and its pathological effects on the structures of the masticatory system.

Keywords: bruxism, calcium-hydroxide paste, periapical lesions, tooth wear