Which phase of dental therapy includes occlusal therapy?

The correct phase that includes occlusal therapy is Phase I therapy. This phase is primarily focused on the initial assessment and treatment of periodontal disease, which often encompasses non-surgical approaches aimed at controlling bacterial infection and promoting the health of the periodontal tissues.

Occlusal therapy is an essential component of Phase I because it deals with the occlusion—the way teeth come together when the jaw is closed. Proper occlusion can have a significant impact on the health of the periodontium, as malocclusion may cause trauma to the periodontal tissues, resulting in inflammation and further periodontal issues. Therefore, addressing occlusal discrepancies during Phase I helps to stabilize the condition of the periodontal tissues while simultaneously managing bacterial factors.

In contrast, other phases such as Phase II, Phase III, and Phase IV therapies tend to focus on more advanced procedures, restorative treatment, or maintenance, which typically occurs after the initial issues have been addressed in earlier phases. Therefore, these phases generally do not incorporate occlusal therapy as their primary focus is on different aspects of dental care rather than the foundational approaches found in Phase I.