Abstract:
A system for reimplanting avulsed teeth includes a dental splint having a pre-shaped channel that releasably engages a dental arcade having one or more avulsed teeth. The avulsed teeth are reinserted into their sockets and the dental splint is positioned over the dental arcade. The dental splint is worn continuously until reattachment is substantially attained. One embodiment provides masticatory surfaces to the dental splint that assist a user in eating while wearing the dental splint. Another embodiment provides a resilient layer to an engagement surface of the dental splint, which conforms to and engages the dental arcade. Adhesives may be disposed between the dental splint and the dental arcade when necessary.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to methods of stabilizing traumatized teeth and more particularly to a system and method for reimplanting and stabilizing avulsed teeth using a dental splint that removably engages the dental arcade from where the tooth was avulsed. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   Tooth avulsion occurs when an entire tooth is forcefully dislodged from its socket. This type of traumatic injury is quite common, especially among children. While it is possible to save an avulsed tooth, a rapid response with proper procedures and tooth care is crucial. If the periodontal membrane of an avulsed tooth has not been substantially damaged, and if the cells are still alive, the tooth can many times be successfully reimplanted in the socket. Several days must pass before the tooth can have a chance to naturally reaffix to the socket. Accordingly, several attempts at providing systems for stabilizing the traumatized tooth have been developed. However, these attempts have provided mixed results and require procedures that are not easily implemented by emergency medical personnel within the narrow opportunity for reimplanting the tooth. 
   One prior art dental splint is disclosed within U.S. Pat. No. 3,337,957. That particular device teaches the attachment of a plurality of separate plates to the labial surfaces of the crown portions of the traumatized tooth and the teeth on either side thereof. Each of the plates are provided with outwardly extending T-shaped lugs that are imbedded into an arched bar or wire, which secures the separate plates and the adjacent teeth to one another. Ligature wires are used to couple the plates to the individual teeth. Wire must be passed around each tooth and then twisted closed into a secure position. This prior art system is too complex and cumbersome for most emergency medical personnel to implement in the field or in an emergency room setting. Moreover, the system depends upon well-anchored adjacent teeth and does not easily lend itself to a situation where a plurality of teeth from a single location of the dental arcade are avulsed at once. Moreover, such a system may anchor a single avulsed tooth in a manner that prohibits even the slightest movement with respect to the socket and adjoining teeth. Unfortunately, minor amounts of movement can be important for promoting the healing process, favoring ligament growth and inhibiting bone tissue development adjacent the root. 
   A slightly improved but similar system is taught within U.S. Pat. No. 5,087,202. The system is comprised of a plurality of individual rings that are cemented to the crown of the avulsed tooth and the adjacent teeth. Elongated connecting bars are secured to the individual rings, locking the adjoined teeth to one another in a stable position. While this system is less labor intensive than previous systems, it still suffers from the shortcomings experienced previously, such as over-immobilization of the teeth, and providing an undesirable level of technical involvement between emergency medical personnel and the avulsed teeth. 
   Accordingly, what is needed is a system and method for reimplanting avulsed teeth that may be quickly and easily used by emergency medial personnel without complex and laborious custom fitting procedures. However, such a system and method should adequately stabilize the avulsed teeth, without over-immobilization of the same. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The system and method for reimplanting one or more avulsed teeth of the present invention is provided with a dental splint that is releasably secured to the dental arcade from which the teeth were avulsed. Once the avulsed teeth are reinserted into their respective sockets, the dental splint may be applied. A first surface of the dental splint is provided with a channel that is generally shaped and sized to releasably receive at least a portion of the dental arcade. The dental splint is retained in position until a generally firm reattachment of one or more of the avulsed teeth occurs. The dental splint is provided to be worn continuously, including those periods which involve eating, drinking and sleeping. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the dental splint is constructed to engage only one of the upper or lower arcades of teeth. The channel of the dental splint should be preformed to approximate a wide range of individuals. The channel should also be formed to extend a sufficient distance along the labial or buccal and lingual surfaces of the teeth in order to provide a position that is sufficiently secure to permit the user to eat and drink while wearing the dental splint without unintentionally uncoupling the same from the dental arcade. Where the user will not generally be able to apply periodic pressure to the dental splint, whether due to age or incapacity, a temporary dental adhesive may be applied within the channel to adhere the dental splint to the teeth. 
   In one preferred embodiment, a second surface of the dental splint, opposite the channel, is provided with a plurality of facets that face in a plurality of different directions so that an irregular surface is provided. The irregular surface may be shaped to generally mimic masticatory surfaces of teeth in order to enable a user to more easily chew food while the dental splint is being worn. In still another embodiment, the second surface of the dental splint may be comprised of a generally rigid material while the first surface and channel may be comprised of a generally resilient material. This configuration may provide a wider range of fitting opportunities for different individuals as well as provide a snug, custom fit. 
   It is therefore a principle object of the present invention to provide a method for reimplanting one or more avulsed teeth that incorporates the use of a removable dental splint. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for reimplanting one or more avulsed teeth that incorporates the use of a dental splint having a preshaped channel that can fit a wide array for different users. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method for reimplanting one or more avulsed teeth that incorporate the use of a dental splint which covers a substantial portion of a single dental arcade from which the one or more avulsed teeth originated. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method for reimplanting one or more avulsed teeth that incorporates the use of a dental splint having an outwardly facing surface that is shaped to provide masticatory surfaces that may be used for chewing food. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for reimplanting one or more avulsed teeth that incorporates the use of a dental splint which covers a substantial portion of a dental arcade and uses a resilient upper layer that releasably engages the dental arcade. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method for reimplanting one or more avulsed teeth that may be quickly and easily implemented by emergency medical professionals or the injured individual. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system for reimplanting one or more avulsed teeth that is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture. 
   These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent to those having skill in the art. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of one preferred embodiment of the dental splint of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a partial, side elevation view of one embodiment of the dental splint of the present invention as the same may be positioned for use with a dental arcade having an avulsed tooth; 
       FIG. 3  is a partial, side elevation view of the dental splint of  FIG. 2  as the same may be coupled with the dental arcade; 
       FIG. 4  is an isometric view of one embodiment of the dental splint of the present invention and one manner in which it might be used; 
       FIG. 5  is an isometric view of another embodiment of the dental splint of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a partial, side elevation view of another embodiment of the dental splint of the present invention as the same may be positioned for use with a dental arcade having an avulsed tooth; 
       FIG. 7  is a partial, side elevation view of the dental splint of  FIG. 6  as the same may be coupled with the dental arcade; and 
       FIG. 8  is a bottom isometric view of still another embodiment of the dental splint of the present invention. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, reference is made to accompanying  FIGS. 1-8 , which form a part hereof and show, by way of illustration, exemplary embodiments of the present invention. These embodiments are disclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, however, and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense in that the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the method for reimplanting one or more avulsed teeth of the present invention is first provided with an avulsed tooth that remains a viable candidate for reimplantation. Preferably, the avulsed tooth has no substantial damage, particularly to the periodontal membrane and the root. It is contemplated that the reimplantation will be attempted within moments of the tooth becoming avulsed or within a couple of hours thereafter. While it is possible to reimplant a tooth that is properly cared for several hours after the initial injury, the chances for success decrease rapidly as time progresses. After proper inspection of an avulsed tooth  2 , it may be reinserted within the socket  4  of the dental arcade  6  from which it came. Depending upon the condition of the socket  4  and the bone adjacent thereto, the avulsed tooth  2  should encounter slight resistance before “clicking” into place. 
   In a preferred embodiment, a dental splint  10  is provided for stabilizing the avulsed tooth  2 . While the dental splint  10  will be described herein as it could be used with a single avulsed tooth, the dental splint  10  may be used for the simultaneous reimplantation of a plurality of teeth, whether the teeth adjoin one another or are spaced from one another. The dental splint  10  should be formed to have a first surface  12  having a channel  14  formed therein. As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the channel  14  should be shaped and sized to releasably receive at least a portion of an upper or lower arcade of teeth that includes the avulsed tooth  2 . Accordingly, the channel  14  may be provided in a generally U-shape, depending upon the total area of the dental arcade that will be engaged with the dental splint  10 . Generally opposite side walls are provided, consisting of a forward wall  16  that engages the lingual or buccal surfaces of the teeth and a rearward wall  18  that engages the lingual surface of the teeth. A bottom wall  20  extends between lower end portions of the forward wall  16  and rearward wall  18 , engaging the masticatory surfaces of the teeth. It is contemplated that the dental splint  10  may be formed to engage substantially all of the dental arcade or only a portion thereof. 
   In one preferred embodiment, the dental splint  10  is fabricated from a generally rigid material that is appropriate for temporary use within a patient&#39;s mouth for a week or longer. Accordingly, several polymers, such as polypropylene, polyethylene and polyvinalchloride may be used. It is contemplated that the dental splint  10  will be provided in a plurality of different sizes that will closely fit individuals of various ages and having various sizes of dental arcades. Accordingly, the dental splints may be precast from several different size models. Preferably, the generalized fit will be such that at least one of a plurality of different sizes will fit the dental arcade of a particular individual in a manner that provides a secure frictional engagement between the channel  14  and the crowns of the individual teeth. In a preferred embodiment, the dental splint  10  is provided to engage only a single arcade of teeth, permitting the individual to eat and drink while the dental splint  10  is engaged with the dental arcade. While the dental splint  10  should be removably engaged with the dental arcade, it is contemplated that blood and foreign debris may become packed within small crevices of the channel  14  around the individual teeth and in particular the avulsed tooth  2 . Therefore, if an individual were to attempt to remove a dental splint that covered both the upper and lower dental arcades simultaneously, the avulsed tooth  2  may be extracted from the socket  4 , being cemented within the channel  14  by the blood and foreign debris. 
   In another embodiment, depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the dental splint  10  may be formed to have at least two layers of different materials. A second surface  22  may be substantially comprised of a generally rigid material, such as a polymer of the types discussed previously herein. This generally rigid material will form a base layer  24  and may extend upwardly along the forward wall  16  and rearward wall  18 . It is further contemplated that the base layer  24  may form a portion of the bottom wall  20 . The first surface  12  of the dental splint  10  is comprised of a layer of deformably resilient material and defines a substantial portion of the groove  14 . In this particular embodiment, the channel  14  will be simply viewed as a narrow slit when the dental splint  10  is not in use. When the dental splint  10  is engaged with the dental arcade, however, the resilient material will provide an engagement layer  26  that will closely conform to the shape of the individual teeth within the dental arcade. The resilient nature of the material will apply a slight gripping pressure on the surfaces of the teeth. Having the channel  14  formed into the engagement layer  26  will substantially prevent the layer of resilient material from pushing the dental splint  10  off of the dental arcade. It is contemplated that several different known materials may be used for the engagement layer  26 . For example, different closed-cell foams of various rigidity or a resiliently deformable polymer or resin based material will be sufficient for most applications. The resilient material will permit the avulsed tooth  2  to move slightly in response to minor movements of the dental splint  10 , thereby assisting in the healing of the area and the reimplantation of the tooth without permitting excessive movement. 
   It is contemplated that situations may arise where, due to the age or physical condition of the individual, the individual may have difficulty maintaining the dental splint  10  in an engaged position with the dental arcade  6 . Accordingly, a temporary dental adhesive  30  may be applied between the dental arcade  6  and the channel  14 . It is preferred, however, that the adhesive be applied to those areas of the channel  14  that will not come into contact with the avulsed tooth  2 . Even after a generally firm reattachment of the avulsed tooth  2  is achieved, removal of the dental splint  10 , with the avulsed tooth  2  adhered thereto, may cause the unwanted loosening or extraction of the avulsed tooth  2 . 
   In still another embodiment of the dental splint  10 , the second surface  22  may be provided with a plurality of facets  28  that are shaped and positioned to face in different directions. By arranging the facets  28  in this manner and allowing the edges of the facets to form generally pointed ridges, the second surface  22  may be shaped to generally mimic masticatory surfaces of teeth within a dental arcade. Accordingly, the facets  28  will provide the user with some assistance in eating while wearing the dental splint  10 . It is contemplated that the facets may be formed along substantial portions of the second surface  22  or only in certain locations as depicted in  FIG. 8 . 
   Regardless of the embodiment of dental splint  10  worn by the user, it will be preferred that the user wear the dental splint  10  continuously for a period of at least 7-10 days. Of course this duration will vary from individual to individual and from injury to injury. However, it is contemplated that the present invention will be used and practiced contemporaneously with the care and treatment of the user&#39;s dentist. The dental splint  10  may be removed after routine examination of the dental splint  10  has indicated that the avulsed tooth has attained a generally firm reattachment. However, if a period of 10 or more days passes and the avulsed tooth  2  has not attained a generally firm reattachment, reimplantation of the avulsed tooth  2  may not be possible. 
   In the drawings and in the specification, there have been set forth preferred embodiments of the invention and although specific items are employed, these are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Changes in the form and proportion of parts, as well as a substitution of equivalents, are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as further defined in the following claims. 
   Thus it can be seen that the invention accomplishes at least all of its stated objectives.