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Objectives: To compare periodontal parameters of splinted posterior teeth versus control teeth over ten years of supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) and to assess the survival rate of splints., Material and Methods: Retrospective data of 372 SPT-patients was screened for splints (composite/fiberglass-reinforced composite) in the posterior (molars/premolars) which were inserted at least ten years before due to increased tooth mobility. For each splinted tooth (test), a corresponding control tooth had to be present at the first SPT-session after splint insertion (T1). Data was assessed at T1 and ten years later (T2). Possible influencing covariates for splint survival (mobility degree/Eichner class) were tested by Cox regression. The change in clinical attachment level (ΔCAL), probing pocket depth (ΔPPD) and the testing of possible influencing covariates was analyzed by using mixed linear regression., Results: Twenty-four patients (32 splints, 58 splinted teeth) were included. Ten test and two control teeth were lost. No differences were observed between ΔCAL and ΔPPD of test teeth compared to control teeth (ΔCAL -0.38 ± 1.90 vs. 0.20 ± 1.27 mm; ΔPPD -0.17 ± 1.18 vs. 0.10 ± 1.05 mm). Twenty-two splints fractured during the observation period (survival-rate: 31%). Mobility degree and Eichner class did not influence time until fracture., Conclusions: Splinting of periodontally compromised and mobile posterior teeth does not have any disadvantage regarding the clinical periodontal situation when regular SPT is applied. However, splint fractures occur very often., Clinical Relevance: Splinting of posterior teeth is a treatment option in addition to active periodontal therapy when patients are disturbed by tooth mobility but splints have a high susceptibility to fracture., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objective: To detail a technique for bonding periodontal splint precisely in a digital workflow., Clinical Considerations: Periodontal splinting can be considered to stabilize the mobile teeth, especially for mandibular anterior teeth. Reliable bonding of periodontal splints is a prerequisite for successful clinical performance. However, when bonding the indirect splint to place or making direct splint intraorally, there is a significant risk of mobile teeth drifting away from the splint. To guide accurate insertion of periodontal splint with no risk of displacement of mobile teeth, a guide device fabricated by digital workflow is introduced in this article., Conclusions: Periodontal compromised teeth can be provisionally fixed during splinting, with the help of the guided device, and precise bonding of the splint is readily accomplished by using such digital workflow. This technique is not only applicable to the lingual splints, but also suitable for the labial ones., Clinical Significance: The use of a guided device, after being digitally designed and fabricated, enables to stabilize the mobile teeth, in case of any displacement during splinting. It is straightforward, and beneficial to reduce the risk of complications, such as debonding of the splint, and secondary occlusal trauma., (© 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background/aims: Dental traumatic injuries are common in children during the mixed dentition stage. These injuries usually require splinting for stabilization, which is complicated by the various stages of the permanent tooth development and primary tooth exfoliation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect on mobility of splint materials and extensions for an avulsed central incisor, stabilized with and without the adjacent incisor under intrusive and extrusive loading with different periodontal ligament (PDL) conditions., Materials and Methods: Seventeen 3D model variations were created from a CBCT scan of a 7-year-old patient without erupted permanent upper lateral incisors. A 1000 N palatal load on the right central incisor simulated the avulsion injury and created an increased alveolus and bone deformation, resulting in an increased PDL thickness of 0.45 mm. Wire-resin composite splints with 0.9 mm cross-section (WCS) or 1.0 mm diameter nylon-resin composite splints (NCS) were created. The models simulated conditions with and without the adjacent upper central incisor. Two PDL conditions were investigated, simulating detached PDL or PDL with polyether impression material-like properties. Mobility was calculated under simulated biting loads in horizontal and vertical (intrusive and extrusive) directions., Results: The NCS allowed greater tooth mobility of the avulsed incisor than the WCS, irrespective of splint extension, PDL condition, or load application. During horizontal loading, polyether-like properties for the PDL allowed around 0.2 mm mobility of the avulsed tooth with the WCS, similar to the intact tooth, whereas a simulated detached PDL allowed 25% more mobility with a WCS than with a NCS., Conclusions: Based on the FEA analysis, a 1.0 mm NCS may be suitable for splinting avulsion injuries during the mixed dentition stage compared to the considerably more rigid WCS. The NCS models provided flexibility for PDL healing while maintaining stability, even when missing adjacent teeth increased span widths. Extensions beyond directly adjacent teeth did not alter the mobility with the NCS but should still be considered an extra protection in case of bond failure or exfoliation., (© 2022 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Teeth loosening are caused by insufficient supporting tissue, inflammation of periodontal tissue, or occlusal trauma, which is one of the main clinical symptoms of periodontitis. A digital technique for fabricating resin-bonded splinting fixed partial dentures (S-FPDs) is presented. It restores the missing mandible anterior teeth and splints the adjacent periodontally mobile teeth of the patient at the same time. The S-FPDs is designed and fabricated by computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology with flexible PMMA material. The workflow is straightforward, convenient, and accurate. Meanwhile, the restoration can meet the esthetic requirements and help with the stability of adjacent loosening natural teeth spontaneously. It could be considered a medium-term provisional restorative treatment option, but further controlled investigations still be needed., Competing Interests: The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (Copyright © 2022 Xiaorui Shi et al.)

Background: In this study, we evaluated the effect of periodontal splints made from different materials on the stress distributions in compromised periodontal tissues and cement layers, using a computer simulation of mastication., Methods: Twenty-five 3D models were created for a segment of mandibular teeth with different periodontal splints bilaterally extended to the canines. The models were divided into five groups according to the different materials and thicknesses (mm) of the splints: the non-splinted group, PEEK 0.7 group, PEEK 1.0 group, FRC group, and titanium group. Each group was subdivided based on five bone loss levels. Tooth 41 of each model was subjected to vertical and oblique (θ = 45°) static loads of 100 N, respectively, onto the incisal edge. The von Mises stresses and maximum principal stress were analyzed using Abaqus software., Results: Oblique loading resulted in higher stresses on periodontal tissues, cement layers, and splints than those caused by vertical loading. The lower the supporting bone level, the greater the stress difference between the splinted groups and the non-splinted group. In model 133,331, with severe bone loss, the maximum von Mises stress values on the alveolar bone in tooth 41 under oblique loading dramatically decreased from 406.4 MPa in the non-splinted group to 28.62 MPa in the PEEK group and to 9.59 MPa in the titanium group. The four splinted groups presented similar stress distributions in periodontal tissues. The lowest stress level on the splint was observed in the PEEK 0.7 group, and the highest stress level was transferred to the cement layer in this group. Stress concentrations were primarily exhibited at the connectors near the load-carrying area., Conclusions: The tested splinted groups were all effective in distributing the loads on periodontal tissues around splinted teeth with similar patterns. Using splinting materials with low elastic moduli reduced the stress concentration at the splint connectors, whereas the tensile stress concentration was increased in the cement layer. Thus, the use of adhesive cement with a higher elastic modulus is recommended when applying less rigid PEEK splints.

Physiological/normal tooth mobility may be defined as the slight displacement of the clinical crown of a tooth, which is allowed by the resilience of an intact and healthy periodontium, under the application of a moderate force. The factors influencing the success and longevity of dental splinting are the type of material used for the splint, the type of composite resin, the number and location of the dental units included for splinting (maxillary or mandibular arch). In periodontology, the term 'splint' is defined as the joining of two or more teeth into a rigid unit through restorations or fixed or removable devices. The purpose of using periodontal splints for tooth immobilization is to provide a period of rest in the areas where the healing process has begun and to allow normal functioning there where the tissues alone would not be able to withstand occlusal forces. The aim of the present study was to evaluate comparatively, by means of energy dispersive electron spectrometry (EDX), the chemical composition in the case of in vitro samples that structurally reproduce direct periodontal immobilization systems using fiberglass strips and fluid composite resins. The differences in the chemical composition of the investigated materials can influence their physiochemical properties, but also their biological and toxicological reliability. Elements such as C, O, Al, Si and Ba were identified as common elements among the resins tested in the present study. The only difference in terms of the component elements was found in the case of the fluid composite Clearfil Majesty ES Flow, which, apart from the elements mentioned, also presented Co in its structure., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests, and none of the authors have any affiliations with GC Corporation, Voco and Kuraray Noritake Dental., (Copyright: © Goriuc et al.)

Backgrounds/aims: Traumatic dental injuries with bone fractures require rigid splinting. The degree of rigidity of the wire-composite splints can be challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the rigidity of different wire-composite splints on alveolar process displacement., Material and Methods: A model was created using polystyrene resin to simulate the anterior maxilla, bovine incisors to simulate maxillary incisors, and polyether impression material to simulate the periodontal ligament. An alveolar process fracture was created, while maintaining the labial bone connection with the PDL. Four wire-composite splints (0.3, 0.6, 0.9, and 1.2 mm in diameter) were compared with models without splints and with no fracture (n = 5). The alveolar process displacement was measured (3 times per model/per splint type) at the fractured and adjacent central incisor regions using a deflectometer (Instron) under functional cycling and static loading (100 N). Data (μm) were analyzed using RM ANOVA, followed by Tukey's HSD test (α = 0.05)., Results: The displacement at the region of the adjacent incisor was not influenced by the splint during static and cycling load (P > .05). The Tukey test demonstrated that the model without splints had significantly higher alveolar process displacement at the traumatized teeth than that of all other splint models (P < .001). Increasing the wire diameter from 0.3 mm to 0.9 mm significantly reduced the alveolar process displacement (P < .001). No difference was observed between the 0.9 mm (P = .123) and 1.2 mm (P = .219) wire-composite splints irrespective of the measured tooth regions., Conclusions: The rigidity of the wire-composite splint significantly influenced the mobility of the fractured alveolar process. The use of at least 0.9 mm wire was effective in reducing the fractured alveolar process displacement to a level that was similar to the adjacent teeth., (© 2020 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background/aims: Traumatic dental injuries are highly prevalent and are considered an important health problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro stress distribution around simulated traumatized teeth subjected to different types of splints by photoelastic analysis., Materials and Methods: For each group, five models of maxillary and mandibular arches were made in photoelastic resin using prefabricated teeth models, which were fixed and adjusted in a semi-adjustable articulator. All splints were bonded with composite resin on the labial surfaces of the maxillary central incisors, the lateral incisors and the canine teeth, simulating trauma to the 11. The groups were divided according to the type of splint: control-without splint; rigid-brackets and 0.021 × 0.025 inch stainless steel wire; semi-rigid-brackets and 0.016 × 0.016 inch cobalt-chromium wire; fiber-fiberglass ribbon; and flexible-nylon thread. The groups were submitted to an occlusal force in a special device attached to a universal test machine in balanced, protrusive, and lateral occlusions. Then, the incisal edge of the 11 was ground to simulate infra-occlusion, and the tests were performed again. Five points were analyzed around tooth 11 with a polariscope, and the data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey tests at a 5% level of significance., Results: When centric occlusion was analyzed by comparing normal occlusion to infra-occlusion, all groups showed high stress values in infra-occlusion with statistical differences-except for the control group. When lateral occlusion was analyzed, the nylon splint showed lower statistical differences compared with the control, fiberglass, and rigid splint groups, which did not differ between each other. The semi-rigid splint did not differ from any group., Conclusions: Fiberglass and semi-rigid splints showed better stress distribution around the traumatized tooth under occlusal loads. The nylon splint showed characteristics of non-stress distribution., (© 2020 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

A digital technique for fabricating a periodontal splint is presented. The lingual surface of periodontally compromised mandibular anterior teeth is captured and registered to form the emergence profile of the periodontal splint. An accurate periodontal splint is fabricated for mandibular anterior teeth with increased mobility after scaling and root planing., (Copyright © 2020 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The purpose of this study was to clinically evaluate the efficacies of three treatment methods and to compare their outcomes in patients with painful disc displacement. The study group comprised 45 patients with unilateral temporomandibular disorders who fell into Axis I group II (with limited mouth opening) of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. Magnetic resonance imaging was used for definitive diagnosis. The patients were divided randomly into three groups according to the treatment method: splint therapy, splint therapy with ultrasound-guided arthrocentesis, and splint therapy with low-level laser therapy. Patients were followed up after treatment for 6 months. The groups were compared in terms of pain and functional jaw movements (unassisted mouth opening without pain, maximum unassisted mouth opening, and contralateral movements). At the end of treatment, functional jaw movements were significantly increased while pain values were significantly decreased in all groups (P<0.05). Group 2 had a quicker improvement in terms of mouth opening scores at the end of the first month, and unassisted mouth opening without pain was found to be more than 35 millimetres in all groups at the end of 6 months. All treatment modalities showed effective results on pain and functional jaw movements in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders., (Copyright © 2019 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The impact of implant dentistry is such that, today, very few dentists think about saving grade III mobile teeth with recurrent periodontal abscess. This case report presents the management of grade III mobile lower anterior teeth with recurrent periodontal abscess. Treatment included SRP, splinting of the lower anterior teeth using wire and composite, RCT of the lower anterior teeth, periodontal flap surgery, and placement of bone graft and PRF. A patient was evaluated at one week and then every three months up to one year. Clinical examination showed reduction in mobility, resolution of inflammation, and abscess; radiographic examination showed bone fill.

Purpose: To explore the aesthetic effect of orthodontics treatment combined with periodontal splint in the treatment of fan-shaped displacement of anterior teeth caused by periodontitis., Methods: Fifty patients with fan-shaped displacement of anterior teeth caused by periodontitis in PLA air force hospital from January 2013 to October 2018 were selected and randomly divided into the control group (n=25) and the experimental group (n=25). Patients in the control group were treated with conventional periodontal splint, while patients in the experimental group were treated with combined orthodontic treatment on the basis of the control group. Florida periodontal probe exploration depth (PD), gingival index (GI), attachment loss (AL), sulcus bleeding index (SBI), plaque index (PLI) and mobility were observed and compared before and 1 month after treatment between both groups. The levels of serum inflammatory factors interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP) and osteocalcin (OC) were measured and compared by ELISA before treatment and 1 month after treatment in both 2 groups. The data were analyzed with SPSS 21.0 software package., Results: Compared with before treatment, PD and GI in both groups decreased significantly after treatment, and significantly lower in the experimental group than that in the control group (P<0.05); the levels of AL, SBI, PLI and tooth looseness in both 2 groups were significantly lower after treatment, and significantly lower in the experimental than in the control group (P<0.05); compared with before treatment, the levels of IL-4, IL-6, TNF-a and serum CRP in both 2 groups were significantly lower after treatment, and the experimental group was much lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The level of osteocalcin in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group at different time points after treatment (P<0.05). The level of osteocalcin in the experimental group reached its peak one day after treatment, and then gradually declined, the preoperative level was basically restored 7 days after treatment., Conclusions: Using orthodontics combined with periodontal splint in the treatment of fan-shaped displacement of anterior teeth caused by periodontitis has a remarkable effect. The symptoms of periodontitis can be effectively improved, the teeth can be effectively corrected and facial profiles of the patients can be improved.

Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective clinical study was to assess the influence of immediate loading and lengths of splinted implants on the clinical effectiveness of 6.5-mm-long implants supporting two-implant fixed prostheses in the premolar-molar regions., Materials and Methods: A clinical database was reviewed in a private dental center to select those patients who had 6.5-mm-long implants placed to support two-implant fixed partial prostheses in the premolar-molar regions of the maxilla and the mandible. All implants were immediately loaded. The study groups were defined according to the lengths of the implants. Two groups were identified: the short-short splinted group, when both implants had 6.5 mm lengths, and the short-long splinted group, when one implant was longer than 6.5 mm. A total of 48 dental implants were placed in 16 patients to support 24 two-implant fixed prostheses. The mean follow-up time was 14 ± 5 months. The short-short splinted group included 8 patients with 16 implants; the short-long splinted group included 16 patients with 32 implants. The main variable was implant survival, and secondary outcomes were marginal bone stability and prosthesis survival., Results: The statistical analyses indicated an absence of significant differences between the two groups in terms of implant and prosthesis survival (100% for both groups and both variables); however, distal bone loss around the splinted implants was significantly higher in the short-long splinted group. Bone loss was 0.37 ± 0.55 mm in the short-short splinted group and 0.94 ± 0.66 mm in the short-long splinted group., Conclusions: Immediate loading of short (6.5-mm-long) implants in the premolar-molar regions did not jeopardize their survival. Two-implant supported prostheses had the same clinical effectiveness, whether extra-short implants were splinted to another extra-short implant or to a longer one., (© 2018 by the American College of Prosthodontists.)

Objectives: This study assessed the survival and maintenance needs of splinted teeth in periodontitis patients., Methods: Patients receiving active and supportive periodontal treatment involving teeth splinting in a university setting were retrospectively assessed. Tooth and splint survival and number of splint-repairs were recorded. Multilevel Cox and generalized-mixed linear regression analyses were performed., Results: Fifty-seven patients with 227 splinted teeth (maxilla/mandible: 148/79) were followed over mean ± SD 11.0 ± 7.2 [range: 2.0-32.4]) years. Twenty-six splinted teeth were extracted during this period, the mean (95% CI) time of splint retention was 7.3 ± 5.7 (0.1-22.7). Splinted teeth did not show significantly increased risk of tooth loss compared with non-splinted teeth (HR; 95% CI: 1.30; 0.87-1.93); while age (1.07; 1.05-1.09), PPD >6 mm (4.24; 1.26-14.31), bone loss (mean HR was 5.07-15.36 depending on severity), tooth location (posterior versus anterior teeth: HR 2.08; 1.24-3.49) and the number of occlusal contact areas (mean HR was 4.38-17.34 depending on the number of antagonistic contact areas) were associated with tooth loss. 75.3% splints required repair, with a mean of 2.6 ± 1.9 [1.0-8.0] repairs per splint during the mean observation time (0.4 ± 0.6 [0.0-3.5] repairs per splint/year)., Conclusion: Splinting did not significantly increase the risk of tooth loss; splinted teeth showed long-term survival. To maintain splints, frequent repairs were needed., Clinical Significance: Splinted teeth were not at significantly higher risk of tooth loss than non-splinted teeth. While splinting does not improve the prognosis of periodontally affected teeth, it can assist their retention by reducing their mobility., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Accident-related dental dislocations must be considered as part of an emergency treatment. The use of tooth-colored fixation composites makes the splint seem less noticeable in everyday life. However, this makes it more difficult to remove without damaging the tooth's enamel surface. In order to better visualize the transition between composite and the tooth , the fluorescent properties of some composites can be advantageous. This article will explain the individual steps of a rapid and minimally invasive splint removal, using the so-called Fluorescence- aided Identification Technique.

Background: Progressive attachment loss around the teeth because of periodontal disease can result in increased tooth mobility. This adversely affects patient's comfort, function, and esthetics. Periodontal splinting helps in accomplishing stability by redistributing the functional and parafunctional forces. There are various materials that have been used for periodontal splinting. Fiber-reinforced composite, composite resin, and metal-reinforced composite are often used as splinting materials for periodontally compromised teeth. In our study, a comparison was done among these materials for their ability to distribute the stresses at different bone levels in mobile lower incisors splinted together with canines., Materials and Methods: Five patients of age group 25-50 years with Grade 2 and 3 mobile incisors having 40% or more bone loss and firm canines with optimal bone support were selected. From the computed tomography scan of each patient, three models were developed demonstrating splinting of mandibular incisors and canines with metal-reinforced composite, fiber-reinforced composite, and composite resin. So in total, 15 models were developed and each one of them was subjected to vertical and transverse loads of 150 N. Pattern of stress distribution was observed in these models using three-dimensional finite element analysis., Results: After splinting, the stress on the canine increased when bone levels around incisors decreased while stress on incisors reduced., Conclusion: Tested splinting materials were successful in stress distribution, and metal-reinforced composite was found to be better than the other splinting materials., Competing Interests: None

Introduction: This study was accomplished to assess the biomechanical state of splinting in implant-supported maxillary overdentures., Materials and Methods: Two models of maxillary overdentures were designed in SolidWorks 2011. The first model included 4 separate implants and ball abutments, whereas the second one included 4 splinted implants connected with a bar. Evaluation was performed in ANSYS Workbench software with 200 N load applied at the molar-premolar region, bilaterally. The maximum equivalent stress and strain (von Mises) was recorded and analyzed along a path between the implants in the crestal bone and the prosthetic attachments., Results: First model presented higher values of strain in prosthetic attachment and higher values of von Mises stress in crestal bone. The second model presented higher stress concentration in the gingival tissue of premolar area (near the bar), whereas the peak stress values were reported within the most distal part of the soft tissue support of the prosthesis in the first model (unsplinted)., Conclusion: Splinting maxillary overdentures implants is associated with significant lower stress levels in the surrounding bone tissue.

Purpose: This study was designed to compare the biomechanical performance of splinted and nonsplinted short implants, in the posterior mandible, using finite element analysis., Materials and Methods: Three-dimensional models of short implants with 2 different diameters (4 × 6 mm or 5 × 6 mm) were scanned, and CATIA (R21) was used to simulate the model of an edentulous lower jaw. Experimental groups were designed as follows: (1) D4L6-splinted (three 4 × 6-mm splinted implants), (2) D4L6-nonsplinted, (3) D5L6-splinted, and (4) D5L6-nonsplinted. A 100 N load was applied, and stress and strain values in surrounding bone were analyzed in specific nodes using ANSYS software (16.1)., Results: The maximum stress values under axial load were found in D5L6-splinted model, and under oblique load, D5L6-nonsplinted model had the maximum stress values. Under axial load, D4L6-splinted model showed maximum strain values, but when oblique load was applied, D4L6-nonsplinted model had the maximum strain values., Conclusion: Splinting adjacent short implants may provide less bone strain and stress, especially at the presence of lateral forces. Increasing the implant diameter may be effective in strain reduction, but does not seem to reduce the bone stress, regardless of the direction of the load applied.

Objective: In this prospective case series, the effects of flapless intentional replantation (IR) with root surface conditioning with enamel matrix derivative (EMD) was evaluated for the treatment of periodontally-endodontally involved hopeless teeth., Method and Materials: A total of 17 teeth (17 patients, aged 40 to 73) with ≥ 10 mm attachment loss and radiographic bone loss to the apex were included in the study. The affected teeth were atraumatically extracted using a flapless approach, then granulation tissues, calculus, and necrotic cementum on the root surfaces were removed. EMD was applied for 5 minutes to the root surfaces. The teeth were reinserted to the socket without any bone grafts and splinted., Results: After 2 years, clinical healing was uneventful in 16 cases and the radiographs revealed no root resorption or ankylosis. IR with EMD treatment provided statistically significant reduction in probing depth (6.4 ± 2.6 mm), gain in clinical attachment level (5.9 ± 2.5 mm), and gain in radiographic bone level (48.2 ± 26.1%) compared to baseline values (P < .01)., Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, flapless IR with EMD treatment appeared to act as an alternative strategy to extraction of severely compromised teeth with endodontic-periodontal lesions beyond the root apex.

The purpose was to describe a novel simple experimental model of injured teeth for developing dental trauma splints (DTS), and to test various splints by combining use of this model and the Periotest ® device. Rubber O-rings and spring washers were used to simulate and modify injured tooth mobility. Splinting effects were assessed among three kinds of DTS, including a composite splint and two wire-composite splints (1: rectangular orthodontic wire 0.533×0.635 mm, 2: cobalt-chromium alloy wire Φ0.9 mm). The Periotest values were measured three times for each tooth before and after splint insertion. The splinting effect was defined as the change in tooth mobility. Splinting effects significantly increased in the order wire-composite splint 1

Objective: The aim of the study was to retrospectively assess the survival rate and stability of periodontally compromised and mobile anterior mandibular teeth after splinting in patients under supportive periodontal therapy (SPT)., Materials and Methods: Thirty-nine patients with splinted anterior mandibular teeth and SPT (≥1 visit/year) for 3-15 years were re-examined. Periodontal status, patient and tooth-related factors were assessed retrospectively before (baseline) and 3 years after splinting (n = 39 patients, 162 splinted teeth). For patients with splints inserted for more than 3 years, retrospective data after 5 (n = 30), 7 (n = 24), 10 (n = 16), 12 (n = 8) and 15 years (n = 4) was included, if available. At baseline, splinted teeth included at least one tooth with increased mobility combined with clinical attachment loss (CAL) ≥ 5 mm and ≥50% relative bone loss (RBL). Baseline RBL of splinted teeth was assessed for all patients. Change in RBL was assessed after 10 years, if available., Results: No splinted tooth was lost within the first 3 years after splinting. One splinted tooth was lost 7 years after baseline and one 12 years after baseline. After 3 years mean(SD) periodontal probing depth of splinted teeth decreased from 3.39(1.41) mm to 2.12(0.37) mm and mean(SD) CAL from 5.61(1.66) mm to 5.09(1.67) mm and remained stable over the observation period. No change in RBL was observed over a 10-year period (p = .213). The survival rate of the splints until fracture or debonding was 74.4% after 3 years., Conclusions: Periodontally compromised splinted teeth show a high survival-rate and periodontal stability during SPT.

Purpose: The aim of this systematic review was to compare the crestal bone loss around splinted and nonsplinted adjacent implants., Materials and Methods: To address the focused question, "Is crestal bone loss around adjacent implants different with splinted from that with nonsplinted restorations?," indexed databases were searched from 1965 up to and including May 2016 using various combinations of the following keywords: "implant," "splinted," "nonsplinted," "unsplinted," "connected," "unconnected," "nonconnected," and "bone loss." Letters to the editor, commentaries, historic reviews, case reports, case series, animal studies, and studies on full-arch rehabilitation were excluded., Results: Six studies were included with titanium implants ranging from 114 to 1187 implants. All studies had nonsplinted and splinted restorations that ranged from 20 to 234 restorations and from 60 to 970 restorations, respectively. In all the studies, the follow-up period after the restoration placement ranged between 1 and 22 years, with a mean follow-up ranging between 3 and 10.18 ± 3.18 years. In all studies, the mean crestal bone loss for implants restored with nonsplinted restorations ranged between 0.30 ± 0.65 and 1.3 ± 0.2 mm, whereas the mean crestal bone loss for implants restored with splinted restorations ranged between 0.50 ± 0.8 and 1.22 ± 0.95 mm., Conclusion: Within the limitations of this review it is concluded that adjacent implants restored with splinted and nonsplinted fixed restorations did not exhibit a difference in crestal bone loss. The evidence from this systematic review suggests further investigation., (© 2016 by the American College of Prosthodontists.)

This article describes an impression technique for a complete-arch prosthesis supported by multiple implants where additive manufacturing technologies were used to fabricate a splinting framework and a custom tray. The technique presented uses a shim method to control the homogenous splinting acrylic resin and impression material during the procedure, thereby reducing laboratory and chairside time and the number of impression copings and laboratory analogs needed., (Copyright © 2016 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Short implants can be used as alternatives to standard implants to prevent invasive surgical procedures. However, due to concerns about complications caused by less bone-implant contact area, researchers have focused on biomechanical properties of short implants and methods to promote them. Splinting has been suggested to decrease the limitation of short implants. This study compared the pattern of stress and strain distribution in bone supporting splinted standard and short implants positioned at crestal and subcrestal levels. An edentulous posterior mandible was made using computer-aided design. Five models of different combinations of splinted short (4 × 6 mm) and standard (4 × 10 mm) implants placed at the level of crestal bone or subcrestally mesial and distal to the edentulous region with a pontic between them were designed using the CATIA software program. ANSYS software was used for finite element analysis (FEA). In each model, 100 and 300 N loads at zero (parallel to the long axis of implants) and 30° angles were applied to implants. Maximum stress and strain for each of the five models, including equivalent stress, shear stress, and strain in peri-implant cortical and cancellous bone, were calculated and stress distribution pattern in different models were recorded. The highest stress was caused by the 300 N load applied at a 30° angle, followed by the 300 N load applied axially and the 100 N load applied at 30°. This order changed in model 1, where the highest stress was noted under the 300 N load at 30°, followed by the 100 N load at 30°. Maximum stress in peri-implant bone occurred under oblique (30°) load. Maximum stress was noted when two splinted short implants were placed subcrestally. In addition, stress in bone around crestal-level splinted short implants was lower than that around standard implants. Combination of short and standard implants had no biomechanical advantage. Application of load parallel to the long axis can significantly decrease stress in peri-implant bone. Although the combination of short and standard implants has no biomechanical advantage, crestal-level placement of splinted short implants is a suitable treatment plan.

In the orthognathic surgery, dental splints are important and necessary to help the surgeon reposition the maxilla or mandible. However, the traditional methods of manual design of dental splints are difficult and time-consuming. The research on computer-aided design software for dental splints is rarely reported. Our purpose is to develop a novel special software named EasySplint to design the dental splints conveniently and efficiently. The design can be divided into two steps, which are the generation of initial splint base and the Boolean operation between it and the maxilla-mandibular model. The initial splint base is formed by ruled surfaces reconstructed using the manually picked points. Then, a method to accomplish Boolean operation based on the distance filed of two meshes is proposed. The interference elimination can be conducted on the basis of marching cubes algorithm and Boolean operation. The accuracy of the dental splint can be guaranteed since the original mesh is utilized to form the result surface. Using EasySplint, the dental splints can be designed in about 10 minutes and saved as a stereo lithography (STL) file for 3D printing in clinical applications. Three phantom experiments were conducted and the efficiency of our method was demonstrated.

Background/aim: The influence of abutment tooth position and adhesive point dimension on rigidity of wire-composite splints, used in dental trauma, was evaluated in vitro., Materials and Methods: A commercial artificial resin model was used. The central incisors served as injured teeth with increased mobility (degrees of loosening II tooth 21 and III tooth 11), whereas teeth 12/22 or teeth 13/23 served as non-injured teeth with physiological mobility. Horizontal and vertical tooth mobility before and after splinting was assessed, using a universal testing machine. Teeth were splinted with a wire-composite splint (0.8 mm). Four groups were assigned with respective abutment tooth position and adhesive point dimension: group 1 (13-11-21-23, 2 × 2 mm(2) ), group 2 (12-11-21-22, 2 × 2 mm(2) ), group 3 (12-11-21-22, 3 × 3 mm(2) ), group 4 (12-11-21-22, 4 × 4 mm(2) )., Results: For each group, tooth mobility after splinting was significantly higher than the physiological tooth mobility (P < 0.05). For teeth 11 and 12, no significant differences between Group 1 and 2 (P > 0.05) were found in tooth mobility after splinting. Significant differences were found in horizontal tooth mobility after splinting of tooth 11 between Group 2 and 3, Group 2 and 4 and Group 3 and 4, respectively (P < 0.05), whereas significant difference was found in vertical dimension for tooth 11 only between Group 2 and 4 (P < 0.05). Significant differences were found in horizontal mobility of tooth 21 between Group 2 and 3, and Group 2 and 4 (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Splinting the injured teeth 11 and 21 and the bilateral uninjured abutment teeth (teeth 12/22 or teeth 13/23) with the stainless steel wire-composite splint (0.8 mm), can be considered flexible splinting. While mobility was still higher than in unaffected teeth, increase in size of the adhesive splinting point decreased horizontal but not vertical mobility in most cases., (© 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Aims: This retrospective study evaluated the clinical performance of combining a fiber-reinforced, composite-resin (FRC) bonded splint; bridge; fiber post; and/or resin veneer for the restoration of periodontally-involved anterior teeth., Methods: Sixty-three patients with periodontally-involved anterior teeth each received one of the following splinting restorations: FRC-bonded splint-bridges (SB), a combination of an FRC-bonded splint and resin veneer (SV), or FRC-bonded splints (S). Six patients with healthy periodontal teeth received orthodontic retainers with FRC-bonded splints (OS) as a control. Modified USPHS criteria were used to evaluate the effects of rehabilitation, and the periodontal pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) of the natural teeth were measured., Results: All restorations resulted in good aesthetic outcomes. SV, S in combination with fiber posts and OS all resulted in 100% acceptable ratings for each category that was directly evaluated at each follow-up. The mean PPD was 3.5 ± 1.0 mm at baseline, decreased to 3.3 ± 1.0 mm after one year (p <0.05), and subsequently increased to 3.5±1.0 mm again after four years (p >0.05). These changes were similar to those in the mean CAL., Conclusion: A combination of a FRC-bonded splint, bridge, fiber post and/or resin veneer for minimally invasive prosthodontic treatment in the aesthetic zone is a good choice for periodontal patients.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical performance of glass fiber reinforced resin-bonded fixed partial denture(GFR-RBFPD) as a periodontal splint on abutment teeth with reduced periodontal support., Methods: Thirty fixed-fixed GFR-RBFPD were delivered to restore anterior partial edentulous dentitions. The adjacent abutment teeth had severely reduced periodontal support and were not indicated for full crown retained FPD. The success rate and functional survival rate had been recorded and the periodontal condition had been evaluated for 4 years. The results were statistically analyzed with single factor variance analysis and chi square test(α=0.05)., Results: In the first, second, and third year following restoration, one connector fractured in each year and they were repaired with adhesive resin and the pontics were kept in place for function. In the third and fourth years after restoration, there was one pontic displacement with fracture of connectors. The total survive rate was 83%(25/30) and the functional survival rate was 93% (28/30) at the end of the fourth year. The main reason of failure was fracture of connector. About 22%(13/60) of the adjacent teeth showed marginal bone height decrease, while the other 78% (47/60) increased with statistic significant difference from one year after the restoration to the end of the observation term(P<0.05). The periodontal condition of the adjacent teeth was improved after the restoration., Conclusions: The four years clinical evaluation indicates that the GFR-RBFPD may be used as fixed prostheses to replace lost one to three anterior teeth with reduced periodontal support of abutment teeth.

The case reports in this article describe a surgical approach for improving root coverage and clinical attachment levels in Miller Class IV gingival recessions. Two gingival recessions affecting maxillary and mandibular lateral incisors associated with severe interdental hard and soft tissue loss were treated. The surgical technique consisted of a connective tissue graft (CTG) that was placed below a coronally advanced envelope flap and acted as a buccal soft tissue wall of the bony defect treated with enamel matrix derivative (EMD). No palatal/lingual flap was elevated. In the first clinical case, 6 months after surgery a ceramic veneer was placed to correct tooth extrusion and improve the overall esthetic appearance. One year after the surgery in both cases, clinically significant root coverage, increase in buccal keratinized tissue height and thickness, improvement in the position of the interdental papilla, and clinical attachment level gain were achieved. The radiographs demonstrate bone fill of the intrabony components of the defects. This report encourages a novel application of CTG plus EMD to improve both root coverage and regenerative parameters in Miller Class IV gingival recessions.

The aim of this study was to analyze the distribution of occlusal stresses for splinted and nonsplinted mandibular anterior incisors and to compare different splinting materials. A mandibular model was generated from a patient's computed tomography scan using three-dimensional (3D) software. The mandibular model presented with four periodontally compromised incisors and two canines with optimal bone support (two-thirds crown-root ratio). Three different splint materials (composite resin, metal-reinforced, and fiber-reinforced) were selected. Vertical and transverse loads were applied, and stress levels around the periodontal structures and splint materials were analyzed with 3D finite element analysis. The results showed that when bone levels around teeth decreased, the stress on the canine increased. Tested splinting materials were successful in stress distribution, and metal was better than the other splinting materials at distributing the stresses.

Background: Horizontal root fractures are rare in comparison to other types of injuries and according to the literature account for between 0.2%?7% of all traumatic tooth injuries., Case Reports: Case 1: A 12-year-old girl was referred to our clinic with a complaint of tenderness and mobility as a result of an orofacial injury in her permanent upper left central incisor. A horizontal fracture was diagnosed on the middle third of the root during radiographic examination. Case 2: A 12-year-old boy was referred to our clinic with an injury to his upper left central incisor. During radiographic examination a horizontal fracture was diagnosed on the middle third of the root. Semi-rigid splints were applied to the teeth for 4 weeks without further treatment in both of the cases and they were followed-up for 30 months. At the end of the 30th month, the teeth were vital and they had no clinical signs nor symptoms. Also the radiographic examination showed healing with hard tissue in the fracture line for both of the cases., Conclusion: Using semi- rigid splints without any further treatment resulted with hard tissue healing in both of the cases and was successful for the treatment of horizontal root fractures.

Background: Accurate implant impressions are critical for the achievement of passive fit of an implant prosthesis which in turn contributes to the long-term success of the implant treatment. There is inconclusive evidence on the techniques and materials used for making multi-unit implant impressions., Objective: To evaluate the scientific data related to different aspects of multi-unit implant impression accuracy and draw useful conclusions from the review for application in clinical practice., Method and Materials: Studies from 1990 to November 2012 were evaluated. Papers examining implant impression accuracy for two or more implants were selected for review. Case reports, technique articles, and incomplete studies were excluded. Fifty-nine studies were selected in total for evaluation, three among them clinical and the rest in vitro., Results: Fifteen studies compared PVS (polyvinyl siloxane) and PE (polyether), 11 found no differences between the two materials in terms of impression accuracy. Thirty studies analyzed the splint effect, 13 found splinting better and 13 others elicited no differences between splinting and non-splinting. Among the 25 studies examining pickup and transfer impression techniques, 12 favored pickup over transfer and 11 found no differences between the two. Twelve studies assessed implant angulation effects and found significant differences in accuracy for 20- to 25-degree angulation, and no differences for 5- to 15-degree angulation for most studies, except two., Conclusion: PVS and PE were the preferred impression materials for multi-unit implant impressions. The evidence on splinting was inconclusive and the data supporting splint to non-splint were neutral. Pickup was the better performing technique than transfer, especially with increased number of implants. Implant angulation of 20 to 25 degrees negatively affected the multi-unit implant impression accuracy.

Purpose: To assess the perception regarding periodontists and periodontal therapy among general dental practitioners (GDPs) of Belgaum city., Materials and Methods: A questionnaire study was conducted among 120 GDPs of Belgaum city comprising 13 closed-ended questions. The questions addressed the following variables: demographics of the dentist, service as GDP, periodontal services provided by the GDP and periodontal services referred to the periodontists., Results: One hundred GDPs responded to the survey. 83% had specialists visit their practice and 78% felt the need for having a consultant periodontist attached to their practice. The procedures performed by the general dental practitioners were as follows: scaling (100%), scaling and root planing (78%), splinting (61%), gingivectomy (47%), ap surgery (24%), frenectomy (33%), crown lengthening (23%), root coverage procedures (12%), bone grafts (8%) and implants (8%). The procedures for which GDPs preferred the service of periodontists include bone grafts (87%), ap surgery (80%), root coverage procedures (77%), crown lengthening (63%) and others. 90% agreed that expertise is required for performing surgical periodontal procedures. 86% agreed that periodontists are competent to treat periodontal diseases. 38% to 55% noticed failures in periodontal procedures even after making use of a periodontist's service. 72% did not provide implant care in their clinic. 84% felt the role of periodontists was limited to post placement maintenance., Conclusion: A variety of periodontal services were offered by GDPs. The most common services were non-surgical in nature.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effect of sequential therapy for traumatized maxillary central incisor with horizontal mid-root fracture., Methods: Twenty maxillary central incisors with horizontal mid-root fracture following dental trauma were included in our study. The distance between root fracture plane and root apical segment was more than 5 mm. The sequential therapy included stabilizing the traumatized incisor with a flexible splint after repositioning the coronal segment of the tooth, temporarily filling with calcium hydroxide after root preparation, sealing the root apex with warm gutta-percha obturation technique and internal fixation with fiber post combined with composite resin adhesion. The patients were followed for 6 to 24 months., Results: Two cases healed without sign of fracture line and eighteen cases healed with sign of fracture line. No case failed. Abnormal mobility and translocation, percussion pain, gingival swelling, sinus tract and periodontal pocket were not observed in all the traumatized teeth.Radiology showed normal root apex and periodontium., Conclusions: Sequential therapy for maxillary central incisor with horizontal mid-root fracture could acquire a satisfactory therapeutic effect.

The purpose of this article was to compare through photoelastic analysis the stress distribution in 3 direct transfer techniques for implants with splinting. Three photoelastic resin blocks were made with 2 implants placed parallel to each other and 2 square transfer copings splinted. Both transfers were splinted with acrylic resin chemically activated in 3 different techniques: metallic sticks (T1), prefabricated acrylic bars (T2), or dental floss (T3). A circular polariscope was used, and the distortion energy (E) was calculated in 4 periods: 20 minutes and 3, 24, and 36 hours. Statistically significant differences were found among the 3 techniques (P < .05). The dental floss presented the greatest distortion energy values (T3 = 0.469 Kgf/mm(2)) and the metallic sticks the lowest values (T1 = 0.0 Kgf/mm(2)). Thus, the metallic sticks technique (T1) appears to be the most accurate protocol to be used for implant-supported prosthesis with multiple abutments.

Four commercial brands of chemically activated acrylic resin were compared through photoelastic analysis. Photoelastic resin blocks were made with 2 implants placed parallel to each other and 2 square transfer copings splinted. Both transfers were splinted with chemically activated acrylic resin: Dencrilay, Duralay I, Duralay II, and GC. Data were analyzed by 2-way analysis of variance and Tukey test (P < .05). Statistically significant differences were found among the 3 brands of chemically activated acrylic resin. Dencrilay showed greater dimensional alteration. Duralay I and GC are recommended for the transfer of the position of the multi-implants.

Controversy exists as to whether centric slide is an etiological factor for temporomandibular disorders. In this cross-sectional study the magnitude of centric slides, obtained with 2 different articulations and one with a millimetre ruler was compared. The study enrolled a group of 27 healthy individuals and 83 TMD patients, the latter divided in 3 groups of 26, 28 and 29 subjects with the RDC/TMD diagnoses of myofascial pain, osteoarthritis and disc displacement without reduction, respectively. Measurement reliability of a chinpoint guided articulation was compared with a musculoskeletally stable articulation, obtained using a leaf gauge. Next, centric slide was measured, if any, intraorally with a millimetre ruler and in both articulations measuring the difference between centric relation and the maximal intercuspal position. A mandibular full-arch Tanner type stabilisation splint was fabricated for each of the TMD patients. After splint treatment, new casts were obtained and mounted using both methods to locate centric relation. The magnitude of centric slide intraorally and in both articulations was reassessed. For the analysis of the variables a mixed-model procedure was applied (alpha = 0.05). At baseline and upon conclusion of splint treatment all groups exhibited centric slides with large standard deviations (ranging from 1.03 +/- 0.83 to 1.97 +/- 1.3 millimetre). In the mixed-model procedure a significant difference in magnitude existed between the millimetre ruler and both the chinpoint guidance as well as the leaf gauge articulation (P < 0.001). No correlation between centric slide and TMD could be demonstrated.

Introduction: The muscles of mastication are important in positioning the mandible and can therefore affect the patency of the upper airway. The aim of this study was to determine whether resting masticatory muscle activity influences the response to mandibular advancement splint treatment in patients with obstructive sleep apnea., Methods: Thirty-eight adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea were recruited for the study. Baseline electromyographic activities of the right anterior and posterior temporalis, masseter, and submandibular muscles were recorded with surface electrodes while the patients were awake, in the upright and supine positions, with the jaw in the postural position, and with and without a mandibular advancement splint. Muscle activity of the patients with obstructive sleep apnea was compared between responders (apnea-hypopnea index change ≥50%, and <10 events per hour) and nonresponders (apnea-hypopnea index change <50%) to mandibular advancement splint treatment., Results: There were 18 responders and 20 nonresponders to mandibular advancement splint treatment. The responders had a trend for increased muscle activity in all muscle groups and scenarios. The resting muscle activity of the submandibular and masseter muscles while lying at rest and of the submandibular and posterior temporalis muscles while lying with the mandibular advancement splint in place were significantly greater (P <0.05) in the responders than in the nonresponders., Conclusions: Inherent baseline differences in muscle activity between responders and nonresponders to mandibular advancement splint treatment in adults with obstructive sleep apnea were observed. This preliminary study suggests that there might be a correlation between responsiveness with mandibular advancement splint treatment and baseline muscle activity., (Copyright © 2013 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was biomechanical rationale for splinting mobile teeth with periodontitis according to the height and slope of teeth crowns, their degree of mobility, and type of occlusion. The research studied the effect of axial vertical and horizontal loads on the functioning of the proposed method of splinting. Set clear indications and contraindications for the use of the method of splinting. Biomechanically proven unreasonableness includes teeth with III degree of mobility in the splinted construction. Clinical variant of splinting is only possible at the height of the anatomical crowns of the teeth of at least 7 mm, otherwise the preferred laboratory methods for the manufacture of tires.

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a multifactorial disease process caused by muscle hyperfunction or parafunction, traumatic injuries, hormonal influences, and articular changes. Symptoms of TMD include decreased mandibular range of motion, muscle and joint pain, joint crepitus, and functional limitation or deviation of jaw opening. Only after failure of noninvasive options should more invasive and nonreversible treatments be initiated. Treatment can be divided into noninvasive, minimally invasive, and invasive options. Temporomandibular joint replacement is reserved for severely damaged joints with end-stage disease that has failed all other more conservative treatment modalities., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aim: To evaluate the influence of adhesive point dimension and splint type on the rigidity of wire-composite splints in vitro., Materials and Methods: A custom-made artificial model was used. The two central incisors served as injured teeth (degrees of loosening III and II) and the two lateral incisors as non-injured teeth (physiological mobility). Horizontal and vertical tooth mobilities were investigated before and after splinting with the Periotest(®) method; the percent change was taken as the relative splint effect. Teeth were splinted with three types of wire-composite splints: Dentaflex (0.45 mm), Strengtheners (0.8 × 1.8 mm), and Dentaflex completely covered with composite. Four adhesive point dimensions (2, 3, 4, and 5 mm) were evaluated. Normal distribution was tested with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Differences were evaluated with the anova and post hoc tests for pair-wise comparisons. Significance level was set at 0.05., Results: The adhesive point dimension did not influence splint rigidity, in general ( P  = 0.288). Significant effects were found in non-injured teeth with the Dentaflex ( P  < 0.001) and in injured teeth with the Strengtheners ( P  < 0.001). The Strengtheners splint rigidity increased significantly with increasing adhesive point dimensions. The three splints showed significantly different effects at 5-mm adhesive point dimension ( P  < 0.001)., Conclusion: Splint rigidity for injured teeth was influenced by adhesive point dimension only when splinting with Strengtheners. We recommend adapting splint rigidity by selecting different wires and reducing the adhesive point dimension to a minimum. Dentaflex can be used for flexible splinting, Strengtheners, and composite covered Dentaflex for rigid splinting., (© 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

The benefits of the Herbst thermoformed advancement splint in the treatment of obstructive breathing disorders during sleep have been assessed in numerous studies. Unfortunately, like all other mandibular advancement devices, patients fail to wear it regularly in the long-term. Injuries, discomfort or pain caused by errors in manufacture or adjustment are generally blamed for this. After a critical review of the literature, some solutions are proposed to improve production of the orthesis and patient management., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

The purpose of this study was to apply a novel method to evaluate surgical outcomes at 1 year after orthognathic surgery for Class III patients undergoing two different surgical protocols. Fifty patients divided equally into two groups (maxillary advancement only and combined with mandibular setback) had cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans taken pre-surgery, at splint removal, and at 1-year post-surgery. An automatic cranial base superimposition method was used to register, and shape correspondence was applied to assess, the overall changes between pre-surgery and splint removal (surgical changes) and between splint removal and 1-year post-surgery at the end of orthodontic treatment (post-surgical adaptations). Post-surgical maxillary adaptations were exactly the same for both groups, with 52% of the patients having changes >2mm. Approximately half of the post-surgical changes in the maxilla for both groups were vertical. The two-jaw group showed significantly greater surgical and post-surgical changes in the ramus, chin, and most of the condylar surfaces (P<0.05). Post-surgical adaptation on the anterior part of the chin was also more significant in the two-jaw group (P<0.05). Regardless of the type of surgery, marked post-surgical adaptations were observed in the regions evaluated, which explain the adequate maxillary-mandibular relationship at 1-year post-surgery on average, with individual variability., (Copyright © 2013 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to compare strains generated by splinted and nonsplinted cement-retained implant crowns for two implants. A stereolithic resin cast was printed using computed tomography scan data from a patient. Two 4 × 6-mm implants were placed in the posterior left side of the cast. Splinted and nonsplinted cement retained crowns were made. The three-dimensional image correlation technique was used for the measurement of strains as crowns were loaded up to 400 N in vertical and oblique directions with an Instron machine. Patterns and magnitudes of strain for splinted and nonsplinted crowns were similar. Results of this in vitro study suggest that splinting has a minimal effect on the load sharing of adjacent cement retained crowns.

Background: The aim of this retrospective study is to investigate the medium- to long-term prognosis of short implants in partially and totally edentulous patients with mandibular bone atrophy., Methods: The study involved 109 patients with 280 implants placed in the mandible. The implants were 7 or 8.5 mm long and 3.75 or 4 mm in diameter. The implant surfaces were machined (M; n = 176) or rough (R; n = 104). Patients were asked to attend a radiographic and clinical follow-up, and their previous clinical records and radiographs were assessed. Implant-related and prosthetic failures and complications were recorded., Results: The mean follow-up was 9 years (range of 5 to 16 years). The survival rate (SSR) and success rate (SR) were calculated using life-table analysis for both M and R short implants. The M implants had a 16-year SSR of 95.7% and a corresponding SR of 93.9%, whereas the 16-year SSR and SR for the R implants were 97.2% and 95.2%, respectively. The mean ± SD bone resorption for all implants was 1.37 ± 0.5 mm. For marginal bone loss, there was no statistically significant difference between the two implant lengths (P = 0.38) or diameters (P = 0.34) or between the M and R implant surfaces (P = 0.47)., Conclusions: Different implant lengths, diameters, and surface treatments do not appear to influence the prognosis of the implant. Within the limitation that most of the short implants were splinted to longer implants, the reduced length of the fixtures did not worsen the long-term survival of the implant-supported fixed prostheses.

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical effects of fiber-reinforced composites for splinting loose teeth after periodontal treatment., Methods: Patients with severe periodontitis (104 teeth) were randomly divided into fiber-reinforced composites group (58 teeth) and wire-ligation fixation group (46 teeth). After periodontal treatment, the loose teeth were fixed by fibre reinforced composites and wire-ligation. After 1 year of clinical observation,probing depth(PD), attachment loss(AL), gingival sulcus bleeding index (SBI)and plaque index(PLI)were measured. The data was analyzed with SPSS13.0 software package., Results: Six months after fixation, PD and AL became shallower (P<0.05), however, no significant difference was observed in SBI and PLI in the experimental group. In the control group, PD and AL became shallower, SBI and PLI values were higher (P<0.05). SBI and PLI in wire-ligation fixation group were higher than that in fibre reinforced composites group six months after fixation (P<0.05)., Conclusions: High-strength fibers in the periodontal splint is effective for loose tooth fixation in patient with severe periodontitis.