Does anyone have a 'pivotal splint'? It looks like that's what I'll be getting. I can only open my mouth 30mm, and it is 'locked' from going further because, the doc says, my jaw runs into the displaced disk when opening.
The pivotal splint is "used to treat the non-reducing anterior displacement of the meniscus". I have no clue what a miniscus is...
Anyhow, if anyone knows about this type of splint, I'd appreciate your comments! I'm not sure if it's a repositional or stabilization splint...
meniscus is another name for the disc. because you have a non-reducing meniscus, it means that it's permanently "stuck", which is why you have a limited opening.
i found a site where it shows pictures of splints, but i dont think i can post the url.
anyway, it sounds like a pivotal splint is used just to get your discs to start reducing again, and then another type of splint is used after that has been accomplished.
- saaraah.
[This message has been edited by saaraah (edited 09-26-2003).]
I found this explanation of a pivotal splint...I don't know if it'll help any. Cheryl
Pivotal Splint
This mandibular splint is similar to a Gelb, except contact is only between the mesial lingual cusp of the upper first molar and occlusal pad. This splint is excellent for making fast corrections or adjustments as treatment progresses. May and Sears are examples of pivotal splints.
A pivotal splint is used to either reduce the inflammation within the joints, allow the disc to slip back into place, or reduce any tendency toward clenching. The pivot split is basically any plastic plate, either on the upper or lower set of teeth, which allows only one point on one or two teeth in the opposing set of teeth to contact. What is actually happening is that a "teeter-totter" is created using the molar area as a fulcrum.
Anyone have a pivotal splint? 
