A removable-fixed periodontal splint

Periodontia A REMOVABLE-FIXED

PERIODONTAL

SPLWT

PAUL N. BAER,D.D.S.,* Los ANGELES, CALIF., FRANK .J. MALONE, D.D.S.,~ ATUNTA, GA., AND C. RODESBOYD,D.D.S.,**# RICHMOND, VA.

T

HE necessity of splinting an entire arch with a full complement of teeth is a problem that is encountered from time to time as a part of periodontal therapy. The indications for splinting of this nature are found in cases in which the teeth exhibit marked mobility patterns which are the result of rat.her severe loss of attachment apparatus. The object of splinting, then, in addition to other periodontal therapy, is to bring the forces and stresses of occlusion within the adaptive capacity of the patient. Although the ideal and best type of splinting consists of preparation of all the teeth in the arch for full coverage and then joining the individual abutments into one continuous fixed splint, this method is frequently too expensive for many patients. A splint was designed, therefore, that will afford rigid stabilization for an entire arch with a full complement of teeth, and at the same time is esthetic and inexpensive. Basically, the splint combines the esthetics of stainless steel wire in the anterior region of the mouth with the rigidit.y of a cast continuous splint, as described by Friedman,’ for the posterior segments. A splint of this nature can be used in lieu of a permanent splint. When it is used for this purpose, however, it should be removed and recemcmtcd at regular intervals of three to four months, when the patient is having his periodic prophyla.xis and periodontal examination. Design of Splint The splint is constructed in such a way that the casting is both abovr! amI below the heights of contour of the teeth, thus giving the maximum stability possible. To permit placement of the splint, one end on each side is left oprn (Figs. 1 and 2). Before seating in the mouth, the inner surfaces of the posterior portion of the splint are coated with a slow-setting cement or p&o.. dontal dressing. Immediately upon placement, the splint is wired in place by means of steel wire inserted interproximally. The anterior wiring is accolnl AWstant Professor of Oral Pathology and Peddontics, University of **Clinical Instructor in Periodontology, Emory IJniversjty. ***508 Lee Medical

Bldg.

Southern

C~liforniti.

1058

BAER,

Fig.

-The

Fig.

Z.-The

anterior

splint

lingual

MALONE,

AND

0. S., 0. M., & 0. P. October, 1956

BOYD

segment of the splint contains wire to be threaded through.

holes to permit

is constructed with two free ends, to permit placement below the heights of contour of the teeth.

stainless

Isteel

both above and

REMOV,4HLE-FISEI.,

PERIOI~ONTAL

SPLlN’I

pli8shed by t.hreading the stainless steel wire through holes which are made it1 the appliance before it is placed. Fig. 3 shows the appearance of t.he splint irl 1the rnout.h.

Pig. S.--The

splint

has the esthetics

of stainless

steel wire In the anterior

region of the mouth.

Summary The use, design, and construction of a removable-fixed splint for an WItire I arch with a full complement of teeth ha.ve been discussed.

Reference 1. F ‘riedman, N. : Temporary Splinting: 24: 229. 1953.

An Adjunct in Periodontal

Therapy, J. Periodont.