reocclusion

Reocclusion is the reappearance or reestablishment of an occluded condition after a prior occlusion has been relieved or disrupted. The term is used in several medical disciplines to describe a return to a blocked state following an initial successful intervention. In dentistry, reocclusion commonly refers to relapse of dental occlusion after orthodontic treatment, where teeth drift toward their original malocclusion due to growth, periodontal changes, or inadequate retention. It can also occur after prosthetic restorations if maintenance is insufficient. Prevention relies on properly designed retention strategies, such as fixed or removable retainers, and, when necessary, retreatment to restore stable alignment.

In vascular medicine, reocclusion denotes the reblockage of a vessel after an attempt at recanalization, such as angioplasty or thrombectomy. Causes include neointimal hyperplasia, thrombosis, recoil, or progression of atherosclerosis. Reocclusion is typically detected by clinical symptoms or follow-up imaging and is managed according to context, ranging from repeat endovascular procedures to medical therapy or preventive strategies like antiplatelet regimens and appropriate stent selection.

Diagnosis generally relies on clinical assessment supported by imaging or functional studies. The prognosis depends on the underlying condition, the success of the initial treatment, and the effectiveness of preventive measures. Reocclusion highlights the need for long-term maintenance and monitoring after any occlusion-relieving intervention. See also restenosis, relapse, and occlusion-related terminology.