Raluca-Maria Vieriu, Oana Țănculescu, Iulia Cătălina Săveanu, Maria Dumitrela Ciur, Carina Balcoș, Adrian Doloca, Alina Apostu, Silvia Mârțu
ABSTRACT
Aim of the study The purpose was to determine the progress of periodontal status of splinted mandibular frontal teeth and the clinical performance of three types of materials used for obtaining extracoronal periodontal splints. Material and methods Patients were randomly distributed into three groups, depending on the type of splint applied: glass fiber reinforced composite (FRC-S), polyethylene FRC (FRC-P), and wire-composite (SRC). 90 teeth were evaluated, 30 in each group. Results Significant reduction of dental mobility in all three groups was notice between initial evaluation (Ti) and immediately after splinting (T0). No significant differences were between T0-T6-T12. Lower values were observed in FRC-S group, which suggests the more rigid behaviour of material compared to the other two groups. In terms of the integrity of periodontal splints, three cases needed repair: two in SRC group (adhesive defect occurred between the wire-composite and dental surface), and one in FRC-S group (composite fracture without clinical exposure of the fibre). Conclusions For the entire study group, the clinical success rate was 80% and functional success rate was 100 % after 12 months. Under the terms of regular re-evaluation in maintenance phase, periodontal splinting allows a reduction in plaque index and the gingival index at 6 months after splinting, without interfering with the means of oral hygiene. A decrease in PD and CAL at 6 and 12 months was noticed after the completion of periodontal splinting. The wire – composite splints can promote the retention of plaque compared with FRC splints. It is necessary to consider that the teeth showing tooth mobility above 45 Periotest value may interfere with the clinical success of splinting. In these situations, other therapeutic options need to be considered.