Periodontal Splint
Discovering that an adult tooth feels loose can be an incredibly alarming experience. We tend to associate loose teeth with childhood, a rite of passage involving the Tooth Fairy. But as an adult, mobility in your teeth is often a sign of underlying issues, most commonly advanced gum disease (periodontitis).
When the bone and gum tissue supporting a tooth are compromised, simple acts like chewing or speaking can become uncomfortable. You might fear that the tooth will eventually fall out. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers a solution to help stabilise mobile teeth and restore your comfort: the periodontal splint.
This procedure is a reliable way to preserve natural teeth that have been weakened by bone loss or trauma. By understanding how splinting works, you can feel more confident about your treatment options and the future of your smile.
What Is a Periodontal Splint?
Think of a periodontal splint as a support system for your teeth. Just as a cast stabilises a broken bone or a stake supports a growing plant, a splint joins teeth together to increase their collective strength.
The principle is simple: “united we stand.” A single tooth that has lost bone support cannot handle the pressure of biting and chewing on its own. By connecting the weak tooth to stable, healthy neighbouring teeth, the splint distributes the biting force across several teeth rather than just one. This prevents the loose tooth from moving back and forth, allowing the surrounding tissues to heal and making eating much more comfortable.
When Is Splinting Necessary?
Your dentist may recommend a splint for several reasons, but the most common cause is periodontal disease. As gum disease progresses, it destroys the ligament and bone that hold teeth in place. Eventually, the teeth lose their anchor and begin to wobble.
However, splints are also used for:
- Trauma: If an injury has loosened a tooth, a temporary splint can hold it in place while the ligaments heal.
- Occlusal Trauma: This occurs when your bite is misaligned, causing excessive force on certain teeth.
- Post-Treatment Stabilisation: After certain gum surgeries, teeth may need extra support while the area heals.
How the Procedure Works
The process of getting a periodontal splint is generally non-invasive and painless. It usually does not require drilling or removing significant tooth structure.
The most common type involves placing a reinforcing ribbon or a thin wire across the back surfaces of the loose tooth and its neighbours. Your dentist will bond this material in place using a tooth-coloured composite resin—the same material used for white fillings.
Once the resin is cured with a special light, the wire or ribbon is completely hidden behind your teeth. It is invisible when you smile, and while you may feel it with your tongue initially, most patients get used to the sensation very quickly.
Life With a Splint: Care and Maintenance
While a splint is excellent for stability, it does create new challenges for oral hygiene. Because the teeth are joined together, you will no longer be able to pass floss down between them in the usual way.
However, keeping the area clean is critical. If plaque accumulates around the splint, the gum disease that caused the looseness in the first place could get worse.
- Floss Treaders: You will likely need to use a floss threaded or “super floss” to clean underneath the splint and between the teeth at the gemlike.
- Interdental Brushes: Small brushes designed to go between teeth are excellent tools for keeping the spaces around the splint clean.
- Regular Check-ups: Professional cleanings are essential to ensure the splint remains intact, and the gums stay healthy.
Saving Your Natural Teeth
The primary goal of periodontal splinting is to delay or prevent tooth loss. For many patients, a splint can extend the life of a loose tooth by years. It improves chewing function and boosts psychological confidence—knowing your teeth are secure allows you to smile and eat without worry.
If you are experiencing loose teeth or discomfort when chewing, don’t wait for the problem to resolve itself. Early intervention is key to saving your smile. Schedule a consultation to discuss whether periodontal splinting is the right solution for you.
