Teeth splinting is a dental procedure that stabilizes loose or injured teeth by bonding them to adjacent, more stable teeth. This creates a unified structure, reducing tooth mobility and supporting the healing of surrounding tissues.
Reasons for Teeth Splinting
Several circumstances may lead a dentist to recommend teeth splinting. One common reason is dental trauma, where teeth become loose or dislodged due to an accident or injury. Splinting helps to immobilize these injured teeth, allowing the supporting tissues, such as the periodontal ligament, to heal properly.
Periodontal disease, an infection affecting the gums and bone supporting the teeth, is another frequent cause for splinting. As the disease progresses, it can lead to bone loss and loosened teeth. Splinting can also be used following certain dental procedures, such as gum surgery, to stabilize teeth during their recovery phase. In some instances, splinting might be considered for teeth that have become mobile due to bruxism (teeth grinding), to protect them from excessive forces.
Methods of Teeth Splinting
Dentists employ various methods and materials for teeth splinting, tailored to the specific needs of the patient. Temporary splinting is used for acute injuries or short-term stabilization, typically lasting weeks to months. These splints commonly involve composite resin, a tooth-colored material, often reinforced with wire or fiber mesh, bonded directly to tooth surfaces.
Permanent splinting provides long-term stabilization, often used for teeth with chronic mobility. This method also uses composite resin, frequently embedding a fiber mesh or wire to create a durable bond between teeth. In some cases, permanent splinting might involve fusing a series of crowns together over the affected teeth for maximum stability. While fixed splints are the primary focus, custom-fit mouthguards or occlusal splints, often worn at night, can serve a splinting function for grinding or clenching, though they are removable and distinct from fixed splints.
The Splinting Procedure
A teeth splinting procedure begins with an initial assessment by the dentist. This examination often includes digital X-rays to evaluate bone levels and root structures, periodontal probing to measure gum pocket depths, and mobility testing to determine the degree of tooth movement.
The teeth are then thoroughly cleaned, and the area may be isolated to keep it dry. The tooth surface might be lightly etched to improve the bonding of the splinting material.
Following preparation, a bonding agent is applied to the teeth. The chosen splinting material, such as composite resin, wire, or fiber, is carefully placed across the teeth, connecting them. A special light often cures the composite material, securing the splint in place. Finally, the dentist makes adjustments to ensure the splint is comfortable and does not interfere with the patient’s bite, followed by polishing.
Living with a Dental Splint
After teeth splinting, maintaining oral hygiene is important for the splint’s longevity and tooth health. This includes gentle but thorough brushing around the splint, reaching all sides of the teeth. Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash can help reduce bacteria and promote healing, and care should be taken to keep the gum line clean.
Dietary adjustments are recommended to avoid damaging the splint. Patients should avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods and cut food into small, bite-sized pieces.
Dental splints can last for several years, but their duration varies depending on factors like the underlying cause of mobility, the type of splint, and the patient’s oral hygiene habits. Regular follow-up appointments with the dentist are necessary to monitor the splint’s condition and the stability of the teeth, and patients should contact their dentist if the splint becomes loose, breaks, or causes discomfort.