Periodontal Splinting in Houston

Stabilize Your Teeth with Periodontal Splints

When teeth have become unstable due to a loss of bone structure, periodontal splints can help stabilize the affected areas. Bone loss is often due to periodontal disease, though other factors may contribute to disintegration.

At Bellaire Periodontics, our Houston periodontist and her team offer periodontal splints to help fix this problem. We believe in giving you dental care that places you at the center of your treatment plan by educating you throughout the entire process. Serving the Greater Houston area, Bellaire Periodontics is dedicated to preserving the health and appearance of your smile.

Types of Periodontal Splints: Extracoronal vs. Intracoronal

The two types of periodontal splints are extracoronal splints and intracoronal splints. Extracoronal splints use a wire or ribbon with a fiber reinforcer to stabilize affected teeth by fastening them together. Variations include using a composite resin to adhere affected teeth together without the use of a wire. In contrast, intracoronal splints are submerged in teeth, making them barely visible. A slot is created on each tooth to allow the wire or ribbon to hide, making it more aesthetically pleasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a periodontal splint usually last?

A fixed periodontal splint typically lasts anywhere from 3 to 10 years, depending on the materials used, your oral habits, and how well you maintain your gum health. Fiber-reinforced composite splints are highly durable, but habits like clenching, grinding (bruxism), or biting into hard objects can cause the resin to chip or debond sooner. Regular checkups at Bellaire Periodontics allow us to inspect and repair minor wear before it affects stability.

Is the periodontal splinting procedure painful?

No, the procedure is virtually painless and entirely non-invasive. Because splinting involves bonding materials directly to the surface of your enamel, it generally requires no drilling or removal of tooth structure. Most patients do not even require local anesthesia, though it is always available if your teeth or gums are particularly sensitive.

Will a periodontal splint affect how I speak or eat?

You may notice a slight change in the feel of your teeth for the first 24 to 48 hours as your tongue gets used to the bonded material behind your front teeth. However, because the splint is thin and custom-shaped, speech quickly returns to normal. In fact, most patients find eating significantly easier because their teeth no longer shift or feel loose under bite pressure.

Discover the Benefits of Periodontal Splinting

Periodontal splinting offers many benefits, both practical and aesthetic. By adding splints to unstable teeth, you are delaying tooth loss indefinitely while removing unnecessary stress on the surrounding teeth. Stabilization allows your bite mechanism to work more efficiently, evenly spreading out bite pressure. Furthermore, by adding splints to unstable teeth, you can prevent more serious complications from developing, such as bite collapse. With a variety of dental services, Bellaire Periodontics in Houston can help you avoid such complications in the future.