This document discusses the use of splints in periodontal therapy, highlighting their definition, objectives, classification, principles, indications, contraindications, advantages, and disadvantages. Splints are used to stabilize mobile teeth and improve functional stability, with various types including temporary, permanent, and provisional splints made from different materials. While they provide benefits such as reduced tooth mobility and facilitated healing, they can also pose challenges for oral hygiene and patient self-care.

1. SPLINTS IN
PERIODONTAL
THERAPY
SRI DHARSHINI.B
CRRI

2. TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
OBJECTIVES
IDEAL REQUIREMENTS
CLASSIFICATION OF SPLINTS
PRINCIPLES
INDICATIONS
CONTRAINDICATIO
NS
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES

3. SPLINTING DEFINITION:
It is defined as the joining of
two or more teeth into a rigid
unit by means of a fixed
removable restorations/devices.
Splint by definition is an
appliance used for
immobilization of injured or
diseased parts.

4. OBJECTIVE
S
Provides rest
For redirection and
redistribution of forces
To preserve arch integrity
Restoration of functional
stability
To stabilize mobile teeth
during surgical, especially
regenerative therapy
To prevent supra-
eruption

5. IDEAL REQUIREMENTS OF A
SPLINT
STABLE &
EFFICIEN
T

6. CLASSIFICATION OF SPLINTS
ACCORDING TO THE PERIOD OF STABILIZATION:
Temporary
Permanent
Provisional
ACCORDING TO THE TYPE OF MATERIAL:
Bonded, Composite resin button
Braided wire
A-splints
ACCORDING TO LOCATION ON THE TOOTH:
1.INTRA-CORONAL: 2.EXTRA-
CORONAL:
Composite resin with wire Tooth
bonded plastic
Inlays Night guard
Nylon wire Welded

7. VARIOUS COMMONLY USED SPLINTS:
1. Splints for Anterior teeth- a)Direct bonding system using acid etch
technique and a light cured resin
b)Intra-coronal wire and acrylic wire resin
splint
2. Splints for Posterior teeth- a)Intra-coronal amalgam wire splints
b)Bite-guards
c)Rigid occlusal splint
d)Composite splint

8. PRINCIPLES OF SPLINTING
1. Inclusion of sufficient number of healthy teeth
2. Splint around the arch
3. Coronoplasty may be performed to relieve traumatic
occlusion
4. The splint should be fabricated in such a way so as to
facilitate plaque control
5. Splint should be aesthetically acceptable and should
not interfere with occlusion

9. INDICATIONS
Moderate to advanced tooth
mobility which has not
responded to periodontal therapy
and occlusal adjustments
When it interferes with normal
masticatory function
Facilitates scaling and surgical
procedures
After orthodontic treatment
After acute dental trauma eg:
subluxation, avulsion etc…
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Moderate to severe tooth
mobility in the presence of
periodontal inflammation /
primary occlusal trauma
Insufficient no. of firm or
sufficiently firm teeth to stabilize
the mobile teeth
Prior occlusal adjustment has
not been done on teeth with
occlusal trauma
Poor oral hygiene

10. ADVANTAGES
May establish final stability and
comfort for patient with occlusal
trauma
Helpful to decrease mobility and
accelerate healing following
acute trauma to teeth
Allows remodelling of alveolar
bone and periodontal ligament
for orthodontically splinted teeth
Helpful in decreasing mobility
thereby favouring regenerative
therapy
Distributes occlusal forces over
a wide area
DISADVANTAGES
All the splints hamper patient’s
self care
Accumulation of plaque at the
splint margins can lead to further
periodontal breakdown in a
patient with already
compromised periodontium
Development of caries