Splinting

The definitions of splinting, occlusal trauma, and mobility have been described. The history of splinting as a treatment for periodontal disease has been noted along with the current concepts of the indications and rationale for splinting. Splints have been classified according to their expected length of service: short-term splints, provisional splints, and long-term splints. The disadvantages of splinting have been enumerated, and examples of the various types of splints currently employed have been demonstrated.