Digital workflow for periodontal splinting with a guided device

Abstract

Objective: To detail a technique for bonding periodontal splint precisely in a digital workflow.

Clinical considerations: Periodontal splinting can be considered to stabilize the mobile teeth, especially for mandibular anterior teeth. Reliable bonding of periodontal splints is a prerequisite for successful clinical performance. However, when bonding the indirect splint to place or making direct splint intraorally, there is a significant risk of mobile teeth drifting away from the splint. To guide accurate insertion of periodontal splint with no risk of displacement of mobile teeth, a guide device fabricated by digital workflow is introduced in this article.

Conclusions: Periodontal compromised teeth can be provisionally fixed during splinting, with the help of the guided device, and precise bonding of the splint is readily accomplished by using such digital workflow. This technique is not only applicable to the lingual splints, but also suitable for the labial ones.

Clinical significance: The use of a guided device, after being digitally designed and fabricated, enables to stabilize the mobile teeth, in case of any displacement during splinting. It is straightforward, and beneficial to reduce the risk of complications, such as debonding of the splint, and secondary occlusal trauma.

Keywords: CAD/CAM; bonding; digital guide; mobile teeth; periodontal splint.