Some things do not feel quite right, like a loose tooth that is not truly moving. Fortunately, there are many times that mobile teeth can be splinted. The first step in protecting your smile and preventing tooth loss is understanding how a dental splint for loose teeth works.
Not the Splint You Are Thinking Of
When you have typed something along the lines of help with a loose tooth, I can imagine that you got to pages about night guards or jaw splints or devices for grinding. This portion ONLY covers the SPLINT for loose teeth: a permanently bonded treatment to STABILIZE extruded/mobile teeth which are becoming increasingly loose due to gum disease, traumatic injury, and/or jawbone loss. This is unlike the more traditional removable splints most people envision, and that first differentiation is where your path to relief begins.
How a Splint Works
A splint is a device that attaches an overly mobile tooth to one or several of its stronger neighbours, so they can help out as they take on the forces of biting and chewing. The glue is applied to the inner surface of the teeth, then bonded with a thin wire or hybrid material such as pipe-manufactured fibre straws. This helps decrease movement and allows the gum and bone not to move, allowing them the stability needed for healing.
When You Might Need One
There are several situations in which your dentist will mistakenly recommend splinting:
Gum Disease: Generalized periodontal disease can destroy the bone structure that secures teeth in their effective position.
Injury or Trauma: If teeth have been knocked loose, splinting helps keep them in place while they heal.
Bone loss: Recession can limit the supporting bone and shift teeth around, making them mobile.
Post-treatment: A splint may stabilize teeth temporarily as the tissues heal.
What Can Be Expected During the Procedure
Most dental splints for loose teeth are quick and comfortable. His dentist will look at the region, take an X-ray, and clean the teeth nicely. The splint is bonded into place on one visit, with minimal anaesthetic.
Caring for Your Splint
Gently brush twice daily and clean between your teeth using interdental brushes or floss threaders, with special care around the bonded area. Stay away from very tough or chewy foods, and maintain regular visits to the dentist.
Splinting Is Just the Tip of the Iceberg
Splints stabilize teeth but do not reestablish normal jaw function. Dental splints for loose teeth are best used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that involves professional cleaning and long-term gum maintenance.
Don’t Wait
Loose teeth often do not self-heal, and waiting can result in tooth loss. Make an appointment immediately if you notice a tooth is moving or have suffered an injury recently.
Wondering if a dental splint for loose teeth is right for your needs? Then ask your dentist and take the first step toward supporting a healthy smile.
