The effect of splinting on tooth mobility. I. During initial therapy

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Dental Therapeutics

Background:

• Chronic destructive periodontitis often leads to increased tooth mobility.
• Managing mobile teeth is crucial during initial periodontal therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of fixed splinting in reducing posterior tooth mobility during initial periodontal therapy.
• To compare the outcomes of splinted versus unsplinted teeth within the same patients.

Main Methods:

• A split-mouth design was employed with seven patients suffering from chronic destructive periodontitis and mobile teeth.
• Initial therapy included oral hygiene instruction, root curettage, and occlusal adjustment over two weeks.
• Intracoronal wire-and-acrylic splints were placed on contralateral posterior segments during the 15-week monitoring period post-therapy.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in the reduction of tooth mobility was observed between splinted and unsplinted segments.
• Tooth mobility reduction in both groups was attributed to improved occlusal relationships and decreased gingival inflammation.

Conclusions:

• Fixed splinting does not offer additional benefits in reducing tooth mobility compared to non-splinted segments during initial periodontal therapy.
• The primary drivers for reduced tooth mobility are occlusal management and control of periodontal inflammation.