Loss of tooth-supporting structures results in tooth mobility. Increased tooth mobility adversely affects function, aesthetics, and the patient's comfort. Splints are used to over-come all these problems. When faced with the dilemma of how to manage periodontally compromised teeth, splinting of mobile teeth to stronger adjacent teeth is a viable option. This prolongs the life expectancy of loose teeth, gives stability for the periodontium to reattach, and improves comfort, function and aesthetics. Although splinting has been used since ancient times, it has been a topic of controversy because of its ill effects on oral health, including poor oral hygiene and adverse effects on supporting teeth. There have been considerable advancements in the materials used for splinting, resulting in fewer ill effects. This article is intended to provide the clinicians with an updated overview of splinting, types and classification of splints, with their indications, contraindications,rationale and effects on oral health.
Periodontitis (PD), a chronic inflammatory disease which results in irreversible attachment loss, bone destruction and tooth loss, is a major oral health problem. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with a global prevalence of 1%, is an autoimmune disease characterized as a chronic inflammatory disorder leading to synovial inflammation and destruction of cartilage and bone. Studies have reported an association between PD and RA whereby PD is reportedly more severe in patients with established RA. Justification for the plausible link between both conditions is based on shared characteristics and pathogenic similarities with regard to risk factors, immunogenetics and tissue destruction pathways. The search for the possible mechanism linking PD to RA continues as it can play an important role in enabling early intervention in the form of prevention and treatment of infection. This will ultimately improve patients' oral health related quality of life and reduce societal burden related to increased patient discomfort and treatment costs. The current review provides an update on the cellular and molecular events that have thus far explained the link.
Labial and buccal gingival recession is a common finding in the adult population, which can occur due to various factors. When present, it can lead to an unesthetic appearance and can cause hypersensitivity. However, very limited literature is available regarding the incidence of palatal gingival recession. Many times it goes unnoticed during routine clinical examinations. Although there are no esthetic concerns in these regions, recession can cause sensitivity and pose a technical challenge in surgical correction because of poor accessibility and visibility. This case reports the treatment of a single palatal recession defect using an epithelial embossed connective tissue graft. The 12-month follow-up of the case showed significant root coverage (93.6%) and decreased sensitivity. The advantage of the harvested graft was that the connective tissue was not exposed, as it was tucked into the underlying flap, and the mucosal contour was maintained.