Changes in periodontal parameters of splinted versus non-splinted posterior teeth during ten years of supportive periodontal therapy - A retrospective evaluation.

OBJECTIVES

To compare periodontal parameters of splinted posterior teeth versus control teeth over ten years of supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) and to assess the survival rate of splints.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective data of 372 SPT-patients was screened for splints (composite/fiberglass-reinforced composite) in the posterior (molars/premolars) which were inserted at least ten years before due to increased tooth mobility. For each splinted tooth (test), a corresponding control tooth had to be present at the first SPT-session after splint insertion (T1). Data was assessed at T1 and ten years later (T2). Possible influencing covariates for splint survival (mobility degree/Eichner class) were tested by Cox regression. The change in clinical attachment level (ΔCAL), probing pocket depth (ΔPPD) and the testing of possible influencing covariates was analyzed by using mixed linear regression.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients (32 splints, 58 splinted teeth) were included. Ten test and two control teeth were lost. No differences were observed between ΔCAL and ΔPPD of test teeth compared to control teeth (ΔCAL -0.38 ± 1.90 vs. 0.20 ± 1.27 mm; ΔPPD -0.17 ± 1.18 vs. 0.10 ± 1.05 mm). Twenty-two splints fractured during the observation period (survival-rate: 31%). Mobility degree and Eichner class did not influence time until fracture.

CONCLUSIONS

Splinting of periodontally compromised and mobile posterior teeth does not have any disadvantage regarding the clinical periodontal situation when regular SPT is applied. However, splint fractures occur very often.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Splinting of posterior teeth is a treatment option in addition to active periodontal therapy when patients are disturbed by tooth mobility but splints have a high susceptibility to fracture.