Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
Surgical splint
Fabricated appliance used to stabilize teeth or jaw segments during healing after surgery.
Full Definition
A surgical splint is a custom-made or prefabricated device used to immobilize and stabilize teeth, bone segments, or jaw relationships following oral and maxillofacial surgery. Common applications include stabilization after tooth reimplantation, jaw fracture repair, or orthognathic surgery. The splint maintains proper positioning during the healing phase and may be rigid or semi-rigid depending on the clinical indication.
Usage
Usage note: Different from orthodontic appliances which are used for tooth movement rather than stabilization.
In Context
- "A surgical splint was fabricated to maintain tooth position after reimplantation." — Treatment planning
- "The surgical splint remained in place for six weeks to ensure proper healing." — Post-operative care plan
Also known as
stabilization splint
occlusal splint
fixation device
Don't confuse with
night guard
orthodontic retainer