J Korean Soc Plast Reconstr Surg.  1999 Sep;26(5):910-916.

The Use of Acrylic Splint for Dental Alignment in Complex Facial Injury

• Yang SD
• Lee EH

Abstract

The surgical reconstruction of complex facial injuries have focused on the following; early one-stage repair, exposure of all fracture fragments, precise anatomic rigid fixation, immediate bone grafting, and definite soft tissue management were the main surgical procedures, as in other facial bone injuries. Complex facial bone fractures involving dentition should be managed by the same principles. However, conventional methods can not achieve accurate preinjury occlusion when there are unstable fracture segments, edentulous state, or complex palatal/maxillary and mandibular fractures. Seventeen patients were surgically reconstructed in conjunction with dental impression, model surgery, and fabrication of dental splints to establish better occlusion. Among the facial fractures that had the occlusal problem, maxillary/palatal fractures and complex mandibular fractures, were the major indications for fabrication of acrylic splints. During operation, fracture segments were reduced and repositioned according to dental wear facets of the prefabricated occlusal splint and then temporary intermaxillary fixations were performed. This allowed us to accomplish precise anatomical reduction and rigid intrenal fixations. The postoperative occlusions were acceptible and no complication occurred as direct effects of dental splint. We suggest that fabrication of an acrylic occlusal splint is necessary for the management of complex facial injuries involving dentition.

MeSH Terms

Bone Transplantation
Dentition
Facial Bones
Facial Injuries*
Humans
Mandibular Fractures
Occlusal Splints
Splints*
Tooth Wear