fixed splinting of periodontally compromised abutments of RPDs

Methods: 3-D finite element models of mandibular first and second premolars and their PDL and surrounding bone was designed. In this study 3 models were used : 1. both teeth had no periodontal involvement, 2. first premolar was healthy and second premolar had periodontal involvement (C/R=1) and 3. both teeth had periodontal involvement (C/R=1). Then two situations were defined for each model : before and after fixed splinting. Finally we insert a 50 N load and the Von mises stress in the surrounding bone was analysed.

Results: In all three models the maximum Von mises stress was found in the apical area of teeth and the minimum Von mises stress were seen near the mesial crest of first premolar and distal crest of second premolar. After splinting teeth together, a reduction of stress was observed in the interdental crest area while model 1 and 2 showed an increase in the stress of apical area.the greatest assistance by fixed splinting was noted in model 2 where a periodontally compromised tooth was splinted to a healthy one.

Conclusions: fixed splinting of periodontally compromised abutments of distal extension RPDs can reduce the stress concentration in the interdental crest area and improve the stress distribution in surrounding bone.