Teeth Splinting

Teeth splinting for periodontal diseases is a modern dental procedure that allows to strengthen mobile teeth by joining them into a single solid block with the help of a special splint. This helps prevent further loosening and tooth loss.

At Crystal Dent Dental Clinic in Kyiv, we use advanced methods to preserve your teeth and restore their stability even in severe diseases. Teeth splinting for periodontitis is one of such procedures that effectively helps to manage mobility.

Teeth splinting in dentistry is a procedure in which a special fixing structure, called a splint, is placed on the dental arch. It unites several mobile teeth with one or more healthy and immobile ones. This makes it possible to evenly redistribute the chewing load, reduce pressure on the affected teeth, and create conditions for the restoration of tissues that hold them. Splinting of mobile teeth is often the only way to save them from extraction.

Most often, teeth restoration with splinting is performed for the treatment and prevention of periodontal disease progression. Here is why teeth splinting is done:

• Splinting of mobile teeth: this is the main indication, especially when mobility of the 2nd and 3rd degree is observed.
• Teeth splinting for periodontal disease in adults: splinting of teeth with periodontal disease helps stabilize loose teeth and prevent their loss.
• Teeth splinting after trauma: for example, in case of tooth dislocation, it allows to fix it in the correct position while surrounding tissues heal.
• Teeth splinting for jaw fracture: a mandatory part of treatment that provides immobility of fragments and promotes proper healing.
• After orthodontic treatment: splinting after braces (retainers) helps to fix the achieved result and prevents teeth from returning to their original position.

Before performing splinting of periodontally affected teeth, the doctor listens to the patient’s complaints, which may eventually become an indication for splinting.

When and why teeth splinting is needed:

• Pain and discomfort. Teeth may hurt when chewing, especially when eating solid food. Another indication for teeth splinting is the feeling that teeth are being “pushed out” of the sockets.
• Gum bleeding. This symptom often appears at early stages but can worsen the problem in the future if splinting is not performed in time.
• Pus discharge. When pressing on the gums or while brushing, pus may be released from periodontal pockets.
• Bad breath. Putrid odor (halitosis) occurs due to the accumulation of bacteria, pus, and food debris in periodontal pockets.
• Itching or burning sensation in gums. This is another early symptom that indicates an inflammatory process.

Thus, teeth splinting for periodontal disease is prescribed when tooth mobility becomes pronounced, interfering with normal chewing and threatening tooth loss.

So why is teeth splinting necessary? The procedure allows to stabilize the dental arch, relieve symptoms, and provide the patient with a more comfortable condition.

Several types of splinting are distinguished:

• Temporary splinting: used at early stages of disease, as well as after trauma and surgical interventions. Temporary splinting usually lasts up to several months, giving tissues time to recover. Temporary splinting of mobile teeth is aimed at stabilizing loose teeth to prevent further loosening and possible loss.
• Permanent splinting: used in chronic periodontal disease, when there is a risk of further bone destruction.

Depending on the materials and methods used, splinting can be:

• Adhesive splinting: the most common and gentle method. Adhesive splinting of mobile teeth does not require significant tooth preparation. The splint is fixed on the inner side of the dental arch using composite material. This method is often called fiberglass splinting, since the main material for the splint is a fiberglass ribbon.
• Splinting with crowns: a more radical method. Several teeth are covered with crowns soldered together, forming a single block. It is applied in cases of severe mobility or when a large number of teeth are missing.
• Splinting with a removable partial denture: a method combining splinting with prosthetics. The denture has special elements that securely fix mobile teeth while replacing missing ones.
• Removable splinting: used less often, mainly when non-removable splinting is contraindicated. Such splints are removable mouthguards or dentures that the patient can remove for hygiene purposes.

How is teeth splinting performed? The procedure usually takes place in several stages and lasts about 1.5–2 hours.

• Preparation: the dentist begins with thorough diagnostics. Only the doctor knows how to properly perform splinting and what examinations are needed. An examination and X-rays are mandatory to assess the condition of bone tissue and determine whether splinting can be done or another treatment method is required. Professional cleaning is performed, and if necessary, caries and inflammations are treated.
• Anesthesia: when teeth are splinted, local anesthesia is administered for the patient’s comfort.
• Tooth preparation: a small horizontal groove up to 2 mm deep is made on the inner (lingual) side of the teeth. This is necessary for reliable fixation of the splinting ribbon.
• Splint fixation: most often, a fiberglass ribbon is used for splinting. It is fixed on the teeth with an adhesive system and then covered with filling material.
• Polishing: after fixation and hardening of the composite, the surface of the splint is carefully polished to make it smooth and not injure the tongue.

How is teeth splinting performed? Practically painless and minimally traumatic. The patient immediately feels how splinting affects the teeth — they become stronger and stop loosening.

The service life of splinting depends on the type of splint, the quality of materials, and the individual characteristics of the patient. Fiberglass splinting may last from 3 to 5 years or even longer with proper hygiene.

To ensure splinting lasts as long as possible, it is necessary to:

• Maintain oral hygiene: brush your teeth twice a day, use an irrigator and dental floss.
• After fiberglass splinting, regularly visit the dentist for professional cleaning and check-ups.
• Avoid excessive load on teeth, such as biting very hard food.

The price of dental splinting in Kyiv depends on several factors:

• The number of teeth to be splinted.
• Materials used.
• Condition of the teeth and the need for additional procedures (caries treatment, cleaning).

To find out the exact cost of splinting for moderate periodontitis, you need to make an appointment for a consultation.

Crystal Dent Clinic is a place where teeth splinting is performed according to modern techniques:

• Experienced doctors: our specialists have extensive experience in periodontology and use only proven technologies.
• Modern materials: we use high-quality fiberglass splinting materials that ensure high strength and durability of the construction.
• Comprehensive approach: we perform splinting for trauma as well as complete treatment to eliminate the cause of tooth mobility.

The problem of mobile teeth and periodontal diseases is relevant for many people. Splinting of mobile teeth in periodontal disease is an effective method that helps not only preserve teeth but also significantly improve quality of life, restoring confidence in the smile.

Do not delay your visit to the dentist. Make an appointment at Crystal Dent Clinic to get detailed information and choose the best method of splinting mobile teeth.