Periodontal Splinting (Weak Teeth)

If you have a loose tooth, biting into anything can be a frightening experience. No one likes the feeling of teeth pulling away from their gums. Thankfully, this sensation can be treated effectively through a simple process called "periodontal splinting." Splinting has gained popularity in recent years because of its effectiveness at protecting week teeth and improving dental comfort. And because the splint is attached to the back of the teeth, there’s no need to worry about unsightly orthodontia affecting your smile.

Periodontal splinting is a process that stabilizes loose teeth by attaching (or splinting) them to adjoining teeth. This is similar to the way a sprained or broken finger is sometimes splinted to another finger to help secure it and help it heal. A periodontal splint is typically made of a fibrous composite material which can be attached in your dentist’s office, and typically does not require anesthesia.

The Splinting Process

Teeth can become loose when decay causes the loss of surrounding gum tissue. Decaying gums leaves space, not only for tooth movement, but also for bacteria and microorganisms to infect the gums and teeth. Other common causes of loose teeth include injury, misalignment, or orthodontic adjustment. Periodontal splinting is utilized as a part of a broader periodontal treatment therapy.

The most common location for a periodontal splint is on the front lower teeth. These front teeth are typically the first to become loose when gum loss is to blame. When placing the splint, we will lace the composite along the backs of any loose teeth and over to the adjoining teeth, stabilizing the loose teeth to prevent future discomfort.