In advanced periodontitis where marked mobility exists, splinting teeth is performed to achieve what?

In advanced periodontitis, the primary concern is the significant loss of supporting structures around the teeth, which can lead to marked mobility. Splinting is a dental procedure used to stabilize mobile teeth by joining them together with a rigid material. The main purpose of splinting in this context is to improve comfort and function for the patient.

When teeth are mobile, they can cause discomfort during chewing and may lead to issues with overall oral function. Splinting helps to distribute forces more evenly among the splinted teeth, reducing individual forces on each tooth and thereby improving the patient's ability to chew and speak comfortably. Additionally, stabilizing the teeth can help in managing associated pain and sensitivity, leading to an overall enhancement of the quality of life for the patient.

While aspects like aesthetic appearance or potential tooth decay are important considerations in dental practice, they are not the primary focus in the context of splinting teeth experiencing advanced mobility due to periodontitis. This is why the correct answer focuses on improving comfort and function, highlighting the practical benefits of the splinting procedure in managing challenges faced by patients with advanced periodontal disease.