Splinting Question And Answers

Splinting Question And Answers

Question 1. Define splint. Describe the rationale, indications, and classification of periodontal splints.
Answer:

Periodontal splints have been defied as a rigid or flexible device that maintains in position a displaced or movable part; also used to keep in place and protect an injured part.

Rationale Of Splinting: The ultimate objective of splinting a tooth is to stabilize the affected teeth or group of teeth and provide for patient comfort during speech, chewing, and at rest.

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1. Immobilization of teeth provides rest for undisturbed and unimpaired healing.
2. Redirection of forces. Any applied force that may consist of horizontal and vertical occlusal forces produces a torque the center of rotation. Once the teeth are splinted, the center of rotation are then redirected, thus providing increased resistance to applied forces.
3. Redistribution of forces. Forces received by any one tooth are distributed to a number of teeth, thus reducing the applied forces to within the adaptive capacity of the periodontium.

Classification Of Periodontal Splints

• Periodontal splints can be classified on a different basis. One classification is based on the kind of material and technique used for creating the splint.
• Another is based on the duration of the splint. Both can be combined to have more subdivisions.

According to the material and technique used

• Non-prosthetic appliances
• Wire splints with composites
• Wire and amalgam splints
• Stand-alone composite splints
• Fiber-reinforced composite splints
• Prosthetic appliances
• Conventional cemented fixed partial prosthesis
• Metal-bonded maryland splints
• Metal-free bonded fixed partial prosthesis.

According to the duration of splinting

• Short-term/temporary splint: Stabilization is done when there is a borderline prognosis of teeth. Splint given for the duration of less than 6 months. These splints may be fixed or removable.
• Removable splints include the Hawley with a splinting archwire. Fixed splints could be intra or
  extracoronal.
• Medium/Intermediate/provisional splint: Splinting done for 6 months up to one and a half years. For example, acrylic splints, and adapted metal bands.
• Long-term/field/permanent splint: Th splint is used indefinitely. Permanent splints may be removable splints such as overdentures, continuous clasp devices, or swing lock devices; field splints such as full crowns, ¾ crowns, inlays; a combination of the above and endodontic splints.

According to a location on the tooth

• Intracoronal/internal splints: For example, composite resin with wire, wire and amalgam, inlays, and nylon wire.
• Extracorporeal/external splints: For example, tooth bonded plastic, night guard, welded orthodontic bands, wire ligation, removable cast appliance.