The aim of this case report was to assess the use of a glass fiber-reinforced composite splint in the stabilization of tooth mobility in patient with periodontitis.
Methods:
Three mandibular glass fiber-reinforced composite splint (Fast splintTM, BCM) were performed from canine to canine on three patients treated for chronic periodontitis (after plaque control program and non surgical periodontal therapy) and presenting residual mobility of the mandibular incisors. The teeth were isolated for the clinical procedure with a dental dam. No tooth preparation was performed. Clinical evaluation (survival period, aesthetic score) of the splints, patients’ perception, plaque control and gingival indices were assessed after 1, 3 and 6 months.
Results:
The splints were easily and quickly performed. The three mandibular glass fiber-reinforced composite splints survived 1, 3 and 6 months respectively. The earliest failure occurred when more than 3 teeth were mobile and the latest one for a patient presenting a great mobility of only one tooth. No esthetical alteration was observed and the patients’ perception was good. No increase of dental plaque or gingival inflammation were observed during the postoperative period.
Conclusions:
To limit the enamel or dentin preparation and to facilitate adaptation to the tooth anatomy and alignment, composite reinforced by glass fibers can be an interesting alternative to conventional splints. However, when teeth mobility is important or when a lot of teeth are mobile, enamel preparation may be needed to increase the splint survival period.