Splinting In Dentistry

Splinting is done to stabilize the teeth and to optimize healing outcomes for the pulp or the periodontal ligament. A splint has been defined as an apparatus used to support, protect or immobilize teeth that have been loosened, replanted, fractured or subjected to certain endodontic surgical procedures. Historically, splinting of teeth utilized the principles of jaw bone fracture with rigid, long-term immobilization for a few months. A flexible splint allows functional movement in contrast to a rigid splint where the injured teeth are immobilized. Splinting is an essential adjunct in addition to cause-related therapy in the treatment of mobile teeth.