Splinting rationale and contemporary treatment options for luxated and avulsed permanent teeth

The continued growth in athletic participation among children and adults has increased the potential incidence of sports-related dental injuries. Regardless of preventive measures, damage and injury to the oral cavity can occur during participation in sports. Luxations, root fractures, bony fractures, and avulsions involving 1 or more teeth are a possibility. Many of these injuries require specific protocols for splinting of the traumatized tooth or teeth to allow the best possible outcomes. This article identifies luxation and avulsion injuries, explains the rationale for splinting, reviews guidelines for splint duration, and discusses contemporary material options available to stabilize affected permanent dentition.