Dental Code D5987: Commissure Splint

Dental Code D5987 refers to a dental procedure known as a "Commissure Splint." This code specifically relates to the fabrication and placement of a splint that is designed to support and stabilize the commissures of the mouth. The commissures are the corners of the mouth where the upper and lower lips meet. 

Before proceeding with the fabrication of a commissure splint, a thorough assessment of the patient's oral condition is conducted. This assessment involves an examination of the commissures, evaluating their stability and the presence of any abnormalities or issues. The dentist will also consider the patient's medical history and any relevant factors that may impact the treatment outcome.

During the assessment, the dentist will evaluate the patient's oral tissues, including the commissures, to determine if a commissure splint is necessary. This may be recommended for patients who have experienced trauma or injury to the mouth, as well as those with conditions such as oral tissue deficiencies or post-surgical cases where additional stability is required.

Once the assessment is complete, the next step is to take impressions of the patient's mouth. Impressions are created using dental putty or other suitable materials to capture the exact shape and contours of the dental arches. These impressions are then used to create a cast or a model of the patient's mouth, which serves as a precise replica of their oral anatomy.

The dental cast provides the dentist with a three-dimensional representation of the patient's mouth, allowing for accurate planning and fabrication of the commissure splint. The cast is created by pouring a gypsum-based material into the impressions and allowing it to set. Once set, the impressions are removed, leaving behind an accurate model of the patient's teeth and surrounding oral structures.

Using the dental cast as a guide, the dentist or dental technician fabricates the commissure splint. The splint is typically made of a durable, biocompatible material such as acrylic resin. It is custom-designed to fit the patient's mouth precisely, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit. The splint is shaped to cover the commissures and extends along the inner surface of the lips.

To fabricate the splint, the acrylic resin is carefully layered and shaped on the cast, following the contours of the commissures and surrounding areas. The material is then cured or hardened using a specialized dental curing light. The splint may be reinforced with metal wires or other materials to provide additional strength and stability.

Once the commissure splint is ready, it is time for its placement. The dentist carefully positions the splint over the commissures, ensuring that it fits snugly and comfortably. The splint is secured in place using dental adhesives or other suitable techniques.

The placement of the commissure splint is a delicate process as it involves aligning the splint with the patient's natural lip anatomy. The dentist ensures that the splint does not interfere with the patient's ability to speak, eat, or perform regular oral hygiene routines. The splint should provide support to the commissures while allowing for normal lip movement and function.

After the splint is placed, the dentist makes any necessary adjustments to ensure proper alignment and occlusion. This may involve minor reshaping of the splint or adjusting its position to optimize comfort and stability. It is crucial to ensure that the splint does not cause any discomfort or interfere with the patient's daily activities.

Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the patient's progress and make any further adjustments if required. During these appointments, the dentist evaluates the fit and function of the commissure splint and addresses any concerns or issues raised by the patient. Regular follow-up visits also allow for ongoing maintenance and care of the splint, ensuring its longevity and effectiveness.

Dental Code D5987, the Commissure Splint, is a dental procedure that involves the fabrication and placement of a custom-designed splint to support and stabilize the commissures of the mouth. The process begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's oral condition, including the evaluation of the commissures and surrounding tissues. Impressions of the patient's mouth are taken, and a dental cast is prepared to create an accurate model of the oral anatomy.

 

The commissure splint is then fabricated using biocompatible materials, such as acrylic resin, ensuring a precise fit over the commissures and along the inner surface of the lips. The splint is placed and secured using dental adhesives, considering the patient's comfort and stability. The dentist makes any necessary adjustments to ensure proper alignment and occlusion, and follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the patient's progress and address any further needs.

 

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