Conventional and contemporary approaches of splinting traumatized teeth: A review article

Trauma moves a tooth from its original position which needs to be repositioned for optimum healing and better outcomes. To stabilize the traumatically displaced teeth, splinting is specified as the gold standard. In this article we have discussed about various old and modern techniques based on the type of material to splint teeth with dentoalveolar trauma. As per recommendation of IADT, providing flexible splint is beneficial for good healing. A biologically favourable splint should not just be user friendly but also should be convenient in terms of removal. Every technique has its merits and demerits. Iatrogenic trauma to the teeth due to forceful removal of material should be avoided as it may result in post-operative sensitivity but sometimes it is inevitable. Metallic or wire based splints either secured with ligature wire or resin based material may show directly or through the cemented material and compromise aesthetics. This worsens the physiological impact which the patient is already facing after trauma. Recent advancement in splinting material with fiber reinforced material has brought a dramatic change in terms of strength and aesthetics, specifically after traumatic dental injuries. There are various other techniques discussed here which can be used for splinting teeth when the dentist has limited time in emergency or limited resources. The type and timing of the splinting span should be in accordance with the type of injury and as per IADT recommendation to follow standard of care.