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Dental Splinting - Indications, Advantages, Disadvantages, Uses, and Types

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Dental Splinting - Indications, Advantages, Disadvantages, Uses, and Types

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Dental splinting helps align weak teeth in position in the oral cavity. Read the article below to know more about dental splinting.

Written by

Dr. Saberitha

Medically reviewed by

Dr. P. C. Pavithra Pattu

Published At July 14, 2022
Reviewed AtJanuary 24, 2023

Introduction

A rigid unit known as a dental splint is used to align the weak teeth for a proper bite. It is available in two forms called a fixed splint and a removable splint. A dental splint is advised by a dental specialist called a periodontist. It is a conservative method to maintain adult teeth without extraction (removal of teeth). An ideal splint should be simple and economical to use. It should be stable and efficient for the long term. It should not irritate the soft tissues in the mouth. It should not interfere with other treatments like filling. It should not trigger other systemic or iatrogenic diseases. It is placed in the inner portion of the lower teeth.

What Are the Purposes of Adult Dental Splinting?

The various purposes of dental splinting are as follows;

  • Dental splinting supports the adjacent structures of weak teeth.

  • Force is applied to the teeth while biting food. There is a chance of drifting in the teeth while biting. Dental splinting is performed to redistribute the force around the jaw bones and protect the teeth. It redirects the force away toward the biting plane.

  • Teeth drifting changes the alignment in gums. Dental splinting is used to preserve the integrity of the arch.

  • An individual with periodontally weak teeth faces difficulty in accomplishing the chewing function. So a dental splint can be used to restore functional stability.

  • The movement of loose lower front teeth interrupts speech. It affects the individual psychologically to smile or start a conversation. The oral well-being and psychological well-being can be restored using dental splints.

  • Diabetic patients face issues in the healing gums after deep cleaning. Dental splints aid in faster and better healing.

  • A dental splint helps in improving the esthetics, comfort, and function.

What Are the Indications for Dental Splinting?

The individuals with the following dental problems require dental splints;

  • Dental splints are useful to stabilize even advanced mobile teeth that require extraction.

  • Unstable lower front teeth cause secondary occlusal trauma. Dental splints can be used to reduce such traumas.

  • If the dental splints are used as a preventive measure during mild mobility, it saves the teeth from drifting and severe periodontal issues.

  • Diabetic patients are prone to gum disease and removal of teeth (extrusion). In such cases, dental splints can be used as a prophylactic measure.

  • Surgery is required to stabilize the fractured facial bones during road traffic accidents. The teeth become mobile during such conditions. Dental splinting is used as a regenerative therapy.

  • The upper front teeth become mobile after hitting hard surfaces or things during any physical activities, accidents, or martial arts like activities. In order to save the vital nature of the teeth, it is stabilized using dental splints.

  • Teeth have a relapsing ability after orthodontic treatment. Dental splints are used to aid retention.

What Are the Conditions in Which Dental Splints Cannot Be Used?

Dental splints cannot be used in certain oral conditions. They are as follows;

  • Dental splints cannot be used in teeth with severe gum inflammation.

  • It is not advised in teeth with severe periodontal issues like deep pockets, abscesses, and infection.

  • The adjacent teeth of the mobile tooth should be strong and healthy to support it. Otherwise, splinting cannot be done.

  • Dental splinting is not recommended in patients with poor oral hygiene.

  • It is not advised in patients with high caries activity.

  • Dental splinting cannot be used in patients with severe crowding and malalignment.

What Are the Advantages Present While Splinting the Teeth?

  • Dental splints favor the remodeling of alveolar bone in the case of orthodontic treatment.

  • Dental splints induce the periodontal ligament fibers and prevent mobility.

  • Dental splints accelerate the healing of traumatized gums.

  • It is thin and hence easily blends with the teeth on cementation.

  • The treatment time is minimal and can be completed in a single sitting.

  • It does not require anesthesia. Hence it is a non-invasive and painless technique.

  • It reduces the pain caused by mobile teeth.

What Are the Disadvantages Associated With Dental Splinting?

  • It can be performed by a dentist with high clinical and technical skills.

  • If the force distribution by a splint exceeds the ideal value, it causes root resorption.

  • There should be sufficient healthy teeth for a better prognosis.

  • The patient takes time to adapt after splinting. It may interfere with the tongue. It takes up to two to three weeks to adapt.

What Are the Different Types of Dental Splints?

  • Temporary Splints - The treatment period for dental splints is less than six months. It is used during periodontal therapy. At the end of 6 months, the dentist decides whether the teeth require permanent splinting or not. Wire mesh is the most favorable temporary splint. Stainless steel wires are also used in the inner portion of lower teeth.

  • Provisional Splints - As the name suggests, it is also known as semi-permanent splinting. The treatment period includes several months to years. The dentist will monitor the teeth’ response after provisional splints and manage the teeth accordingly. It is also used for diagnostic purposes. The dentist replaces the missing tooth using provisional splints. Acrylic splints are the most preferred esthetic and provisional splints. The dentist takes support from dentures for mobile teeth.

  • Permanent Splints - It is used to treat long-term periodontal issues. It should be worn by the patient for life-long. It is popular due to its effectiveness and benefits.

Conclusion

Coronoplasty is an adjunctive therapy with splinting. In this procedure the high cuspal points due to supra eruption causing traumatic occlusion is reduced with drills. To prevent further supra eruption and to settle down the teeth inside the socket, dental splinting is performed. The splints are cemented to teeth to increase the toughness and reduce the teeth fracture. Recent advancements in dental splinting are splints made up of glass fibers. It prevents tooth fracture from multidirectional forces by dissipating the forces due to its impregnated nature. The finish looks smooth and esthetic. For successful dental splinting, scaling (cleaning) and polishing the teeth is mandatory. The longevity of splints depends on the cleanliness of the oral cavity. Follow the maintenance schedule as given by your dentist.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

For How Many Days Does a Dental Splint Last?

A dental splint is an appliance that is worn on the teeth to protect them. It usually lasts for 3 to 5 years.

2.

Is Dental Splinting a Permanent Procedure?

In some cases, dental splinting is done as a permanent procedure. The affected teeth are crowned, and a splint is created that is stuck to the crowns of the teeth by cementation. This keeps the teeth firmly in place and gives them more durability and stability. It works by turning two or more teeth into one structure.

3.

In Which Condition Is Dental Splinting Necessary?

Dental splinting is a necessary treatment procedure when the teeth become loose due to a loss of gum tissue. It works by attaching weak teeth together, turning them into a single unit. This procedure is usually performed on the front teeth.

4.

Is Dental Splint Removable?

Dental splints are mostly permanent. But, in some cases, like minor trauma or initial-staged periodontal disease, or when the condition can be reversed with the proper care, dental splints are removed after some time.

5.

How Is a Mouth Guard Different From a Mouth Splint?

Mouth splints are used to relieve jaw pain due to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues. They act by supporting and stabilizing the muscles and joints of the mouth and preventing the incorrect positioning of the teeth when the mouth is closed. Mouth splints provide vertical support. They are typically worn for a few weeks to several months. Whereas mouthguards are dental protective devices that cover the teeth and further protect the teeth, tongue, gums, and cheeks from trauma, such as that caused by teeth grinding or sports injuries.

6.

Can Dental Splinting Be Done for Loose Teeth?

Dental splinting is also used as a conservative approach to providing strength to the loose teeth due to the loss of gum tissue. It benefits the teeth by attaching them together, making them a single unit that is more stable and stronger than a single tooth.

7.

Can Loosening of Teeth Be Reversed?

Loose teeth can be stabilized by a new procedure called dental splinting, which combines loose teeth together, turning them into a single unit. The technique is most commonly performed on the front teeth.

8.

Which Material Is Used to Splint the Teeth?

The most commonly used material is orthodontic stainless steel wire, which is bonded to the inside surface of the teeth with a composite that acts as a splint. This technique is successful only in some cases as the metal wire is quite rigid, and such splints tend to become loose with time and fail.

9.

What Do You Mean by a Flexible Splint in Dentistry?

A flexible dental splint permits functional movement when compared to a rigid splint where the affected injured teeth are immobilized.

10.

How Long Does Dental Splinting Take for the Treatment?

In cases when no bone or tooth fracture occurs, dental splinting is advised for two to three weeks; however, the splint should be placed for six to eight weeks.

11.

What Is the Dental Code for Splinting Traumatic Teeth Together?

The dental codes for procedures for splinting traumatic teeth together - D4320 (provisional splinting, intracoronal) and D4321 (provisional splinting, extracoronal). These involve the interim stabilization of mobile teeth.
Dr. Saberitha
Dr. Saberitha

Dentistry

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