[Tooth mobility and containment]

Periodontal destruction often leads to tooth hypermobility. In the presence of jiggling forces, traumatic occlusion can provoke a progressive mobility, and in certain cases, accelerate the periodontal destruction in presence of periodontitis. Treatment of infection alone is enough to stop the periodontal destruction. If the mobility becomes progressive, or if the hypermobility impedes the masticatory function of the patient, an occlusal adjustment and/or a splint are valuable to assure the longevity of a tooth. Tooth mobility is the physiological adaptation of the periodontium to the traumatic occlusion, and is, in itself, not an indication for splinting.