Periodontal Splinting
What This Page Covers:
- Occlusion: Losing a tooth as an adult can be concerning, and a wobbly or loose tooth requires professional attention to prevent loss.
- Periodontal Splinting: This technique stabilizes loose teeth by bonding them to adjacent teeth, creating a stronger unit and aiding healing.
- Causes: Loose teeth can result from gum disease or facial trauma, requiring timely intervention and periodontal splinting for stabilization.
- Union City Oral Surgery Group: The experienced team offers periodontal splinting and other oral health services, providing compassionate and professional care.
Losing a tooth takes on a new meaning as an adult. Once you have shed all of your primary teeth, also known as your baby teeth, you only get one set of adult teeth to maintain and look after. If you notice you have a wobbly or loose tooth and fear you may risk losing it, it’s best to reach out to a professional Union City oral surgeon as soon as possible.
Periodontal splinting is a technique practiced by oral surgeons and oral health professionals to help prevent loose or wobbly teeth from falling out. By stabilizing the at-risk tooth to another tooth, you are turning the pair into a strong, sturdier unit. This unit is stronger than the individual teeth alone, giving your gums and mouth the chance they need to heal. To see if you are a good candidate for periodontal splinting in Union City, NJ, reach out to the team of qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Union City Oral Surgery Group today.
WHAT IS PERIODONTAL SPLINTING?
Your teeth can become loose, dislodged, or wobbly for a wide variety of reasons. When you come into your oral surgeon’s office with a tooth at risk of falling out, a quick and effective solution is periodontal splinting in Union City, NJ.
This minimally invasive technique involves a composite material, like a thin fiber wire, being used to splint the weakened tooth or teeth together. This effectively combines the strength of the teeth and creates a sturdier unit to remain in the mouth and gives your teeth the best possible shot at healing and stabilizing.
It is important to note that periodontal splinting does not cure or target the cause of the wobbly tooth. If it is due to gum disease, for example, it will need to be treated immediately to ensure the splint is effective. Periodontal splints are painless and commonly done on the front teeth. Depending on the severity of your situation and what procedures need to be done in conjunction with the splint, users may have their splint for around two weeks before having it removed.
REASONS YOU MAY NEED A PERIODONTAL SPLINT IN UNION CITY, NJ
Everyone’s mouth is different and everyone’s teeth require different maintenance and care. A good practice is to brush and floss daily while incorporating professional cleanings once or twice a year. Common reasons people require the assistance of a periodontal splint include the following:
Gum Disease
Failure to adhere to a proper maintenance schedule can result in the infection of your gums and teeth. Gone untreated, your gums and jawbone will begin to weaken, taking away the natural tooth’s foundation. This can cause teeth to shift around the mouth, become loose, and even fall out. Gum disease is treated by professional cleanings and continued upkeep. If you notice your teeth have started to shift or that your gums are bleeding every time you brush, it is recommended you seek out dental assistance as soon as you can. The gum disease will be targeted first and then any remaining wobbly teeth can be saved by having a periodontal splint placed.
Facial Trauma
An accident to the face or mouth can cause your teeth to become dislodged or even fall out. When trauma or pressure from an accident forces a tooth out of its socket, the tooth is said to have been avulsed. An oral surgeon will work to save the fallen tooth, cleaning it and then using a periodontal splint to stabilize it. This process is time-sensitive and requires immediate attention.
The same process goes for a tooth luxation, or the dislodging of teeth. Your surgeon will work to shift the tooth back into the socket and its natural position before placing the splint.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE PERIODONTAL SPLINTING PROCEDURE?
During the periodontal splinting procedure, your dentist or periodontist will first thoroughly clean the area around the teeth that will be splinted to ensure that no plaque or tartar remains. They will then select a splinting material, typically a resin or a flexible wire, which will be applied directly to the teeth. The material is carefully molded to fit the contour of your teeth and hardened with a special light.
This process is relatively quick and painless, often completed in a single visit. You may experience some sensitivity following the procedure, but this typically subsides within a few days. It’s important to follow your dental professional’s aftercare instructions closely to ensure the best outcome.
PERIODONTAL SPLINTING VS. OTHER TREATMENTS
When considering options for managing periodontal disease and its effects, it’s important to weigh periodontal splinting against other available treatments. While splinting is specifically designed to stabilize loose teeth by bonding them together, alternative treatments might focus on different aspects of periodontal health.
One common alternative is scaling and root planing, a non-surgical procedure aimed at removing plaque and tartar from below the gum line to promote healing of gum tissue. Another treatment option is flap surgery, which involves lifting back the gums to remove tartar deposits in deep pockets. This procedure is more invasive than splinting and typically reserved for more advanced cases of periodontal disease.
For patients with significant bone loss or severe periodontal damage, bone grafting might be considered. This procedure aims to regenerate lost bone and support structures around the teeth, potentially offering a more long-term solution to periodontal disease, but it’s more invasive and requires a longer recovery period than splinting.
Periodontal splinting stands out for its minimally invasive nature and immediate impact on tooth stability. It’s an especially suitable option for patients seeking a quick solution to reduce tooth mobility and discomfort, without the extensive downtime or procedural complexity of surgical interventions. However, the choice between periodontal splinting and other treatments should be based on a comprehensive dental evaluation and a discussion of patient-specific needs and goals.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR TEETH AFTER SPLINTING?
After undergoing periodontal splinting, it’s crucial to maintain meticulous oral hygiene to ensure the success of the treatment and the health of your teeth and gums. Brush gently but thoroughly at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Also, floss daily, taking special care to clean around the splinted teeth without disturbing the splint. It’s also advisable to use an antiseptic mouthwash to help keep the area free of harmful bacteria.
In addition to regular at-home care, scheduling routine dental check-ups and cleanings is essential. These visits allow your dentist or periodontist to monitor the condition of the splint and the health of the surrounding periodontal tissues. Avoiding hard and sticky foods can prevent damage to the splint and minimize additional stress on the teeth.
SCHEDULE AN EXAMINATION WITH A PROFESSIONAL ORAL SURGEON TODAY
Union City Oral Surgery Group has serviced the Union City community with all of their oral and maxillofacial health needs for many years now, and we would love to do the same for you. Our team has been recognized by the American Dental Association and is trained in the practice of minimally-invasive surgery. There’s no better place to restore your smile and receive a periodontal splint than in our state-of-the-art facility.
Our people-first approach to oral surgery means you have a compassionate representative by your side at every step of the process, from the very first consultation to the final payment, where we will sit with you and help get you the most out of your insurance reimbursement as possible. To see how we can best help you today, please give our Union City office a call at (201) 601-9262 or fill out our online contact form.
