HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What role does a splint serve in dental procedures?

1. To keep an avulsed tooth stable after replantation

2. To correct misalignments in the jaw

3. To relieve pressure from wisdom teeth

4. To secure braces during treatment

The correct answer is: To keep an avulsed tooth stable after replantation

A splint plays an important role in dental procedures, particularly in the case of an avulsed tooth, which is when a tooth has been completely displaced from its socket. After replantation, it is essential to stabilize the tooth in its new position to promote proper healing and reattachment to the surrounding bone and gum tissue. The splint helps immobilize the tooth, preventing movement that could disrupt the healing process and allowing the periodontal ligaments to regenerate. This stabilization is crucial for the long-term success of the tooth after replantation, increasing the chances of it re-establishing itself in the jaw. In contrast, correcting misalignments in the jaw typically involves orthopedic appliances, such as retainers or functional devices, rather than a splint. For relieving pressure from wisdom teeth, other interventions like extraction or specific pain management techniques are used instead of a splint. While securing braces during dental treatment is vital, it is accomplished through brackets and wires designed specifically for orthodontics, rather than through the use of splints.