Rigidity of splints used in luxation injuries and root fractures

Background/Aim: Traumatic dental injuries are relatively common and splinting is part of the treatment recommended for the many injuries, such as luxations, avulsion, and root fractures. This study compared the rigidity of nine different trauma splints, using a Periotest machine, in reducing the mobility of maxillary central incisors in an in vitro model. Material and Methods: The evaluated splints included an interdental composite splint (ICS), composite splint (CS), round wire with composite (RoWC), rectangular wire with composite (ReWC), looped round wire with composite (LRWC), braided orthodontic wire with composite (BWC), fishing line with composite (FC), Titanium Trauma Splint with composite (TTS) and a bracket splint (BS). Each splint was bonded to the labial surfaces of the adjacent lateral incisors and canines. Individual tooth mobility with horizontal and vertical Periotest values (PTV) before and after splint application were assessed. Results: Following splint placement, horizontal PTV's were significantly lower in the “injured” central incisors with the ICS, and the greatest flexibility was provided by the FC splint. Changes in vertical tooth mobility were not significant across all of the splinting techniques. Conclusion: All tested splints caused a reduction in horizontal mobility of the injured teeth, with the FC, TTS and BS allowing more mobility of the teeth which is likely to be helpful to provide physiologic healing of the periodontal ligament following trauma.