Splint ligation stabilizes loose teeth by joining them to neighboring, more stable teeth. This technique creates a single, unified structure, enhancing strength and reducing movement. Dental professionals apply a binding material to connect the teeth, supporting affected teeth and promoting tissue healing. The goal is to minimize tooth mobility and preserve the natural dentition.
Reasons for Dental Splinting
Dental splinting is used to address conditions causing tooth mobility. Common reasons include dental trauma, such as a partially dislodged (luxated) or completely knocked out (avulsed) tooth. In these cases, a splint temporarily secures the injured tooth, allowing the supporting ligaments and bone to heal around the root. This stabilization aids successful reattachment and prevents further damage.
Periodontal disease, an infection affecting the gums and bone supporting the teeth, can also cause teeth to become loose. As the disease progresses, bone loss around the tooth roots diminishes their stability. Splinting helps to distribute the chewing forces across a group of teeth, reducing stress on the affected individual tooth and preserving remaining bone structure. This support allows for more comfortable chewing and can delay or prevent tooth loss, although splinting itself does not cure the underlying gum disease.
Sometimes, dental splinting serves as a temporary measure after extensive dental work or orthodontic treatment. Following orthodontic treatment, retainers help maintain the newly aligned position of teeth. Similarly, after certain surgeries, a splint can provide temporary stability during the healing phase. Additionally, splints can be used to alleviate symptoms related to teeth grinding (bruxism) by protecting teeth from excessive forces.
How Dental Splinting is Performed
The process of dental splinting begins with a thorough cleaning of the teeth and the surrounding area to ensure a sterile environment. The dental professional then isolates the area to keep it dry, which is important for the bonding materials to adhere properly. In some cases, the tooth surface may be lightly etched to improve the bond strength of the splinting material.
Several materials and techniques are used for dental splinting. One common approach involves using composite resin, a tooth-colored filling material, which is directly bonded to the teeth. This method is favored for its aesthetic appeal as the composite can be matched to the natural tooth color, making the splint nearly invisible. The resin is applied across the affected teeth and then hardened using a special curing light.
For situations requiring greater strength, a wire-composite splint may be employed. This technique combines a thin metal wire with composite resin to provide enhanced stabilization. The wire is bonded to the inner surface of the teeth, offering robust support. Another method utilizes fiber-reinforced composite splints, where fibers are embedded within the composite resin, creating a durable and flexible bond. These fibers are transparent and blend well with the tooth-colored composite.
Dental splints can be categorized as either temporary or permanent. Temporary splints are used for a few weeks to several months, allowing healing after trauma or during initial periodontal treatment. These may include removable splints, which resemble mouthguards and can be taken out for cleaning. Permanent splints, also known as fixed splints, are designed for long-term support and are often used in cases of severe gum disease or extensive tooth mobility. The entire splinting procedure is often completed in a single session, lasting a couple of hours, and can be performed without local anesthesia.
Caring for a Dental Splint and What to Expect
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important when living with a dental splint to prevent plaque buildup and gum inflammation. Patients should gently brush their teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush, focusing on cleaning around the splint and reaching all tooth surfaces. While flossing directly around the splinted area might be challenging, a dentist can demonstrate specific techniques or recommend alternative cleaning aids like water flossers to ensure thorough cleaning.
Dietary adjustments are also recommended to protect the splint and allow for proper healing. Patients should avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could dislodge or damage the splint. Soft foods like pasta, soup, yogurt, and bananas are safe to consume. It is also advisable to avoid habits such as chewing on ice or pens, which can place undue stress on the splinted teeth.
Some temporary discomfort, such as increased saliva production or minor speech difficulties, might be experienced initially, but these diminish within a week of regular wear. Pain medication can be used as recommended by the dentist to manage any post-procedure sensitivity. The duration a splint remains in place varies depending on the underlying condition, ranging from a few weeks for traumatic injuries to several months or even permanently for chronic conditions like advanced periodontal disease.
Regular follow-up appointments with the dentist are necessary to monitor the healing progress and assess the splint’s integrity. If the splint becomes loose or causes irritation between appointments, it is important to contact the dental office for an adjustment or repair. When the splint is eventually removed, the dentist will evaluate the stability of the teeth and may recommend further treatment or long-term retention strategies if needed.