Tooth splinting works by joining teeth together to add strength and tighten the teeth. Various conditions could lead to a person needing a tooth splint. A multitude of methods exist to treat tooth mobility, which is the condition of having loose teeth. Through teeth bonding, tooth stability can be achieved, thus limiting or eliminating tooth mobility.
The process of tooth splinting can be necessitated by anything that causes teeth mobility. These loose teeth can cause pain or discomfort while eating. Tooth mobility also exposes the internal parts of the gums to more debris and potential infection. Gum disease, tooth trauma or bad habits such as clenching and grinding can all cause tooth mobility.
A basic means a tooth splinting involves glue or cement approved for dental uses. The loose teeth are bonded together using the chemical substance to create tooth stability. This form of teeth bonding can involve etching the teeth so that the bonding agent has more tooth surface to which it can attach. After the bonding agent dries and the loose teeth are stabilized the gum tissue attaches itself in place.
Tooth splinting might include an actual tooth splint. This is a small device that is custom made by a dentist, and it takes up space near the loose tooth. This item is used to put a single loose tooth back in alignment and might not involve contact with other teeth.
The dental splint comes in many forms. It can be made from different materials. The basic design can vary. It might be prefabricated outside the dental office where it is being used, or it can be custom made in-house.
Tooth splinting by means of a dental splint can involve multiple teeth. If gum disease has loosened several teeth, then a dental splint is implanted to create stability. This stability is achieved by using the dental splint to anchor loose teeth to stable and non-mobile teeth.
A tooth splint or dental splint can be made of different types of plastic. Any material approved for oral use might find use in this application. Even titanium splints that can be bent to fit a specific dental pattern are available. The primary considerations are cost and severity of the condition that is causing tooth mobility.
After tooth splinting has been performed, the need for special tooth care increases. Tooth splinting prevents the use of floss, because the bonding material is between the teeth. Patients who have had tooth-splinting procedures will need to use a proxy brush to clean areas that were formerly cleaned with floss.