Restorative and Periodontal Evaluation of Fiber-Reinforced Periodontal Splints

Periodontal attachment loss may result in pathologic tooth mobility, compromising function, esthetics, and quality of life. Periodontal splinting is commonly used as an adjunctive treatment to stabilize mobile teeth following periodontal therapy. However, evidence regarding the long-term periodontal and restorative performance of intracoronal fiber-reinforced splints remains limited.

This prospective observational cohort study evaluates the clinical performance of intracoronal periodontal splints fabricated with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber in periodontally compromised anterior teeth. Patients received comprehensive periodontal therapy before splint placement. Clinical periodontal parameters, including probing depth, clinical attachment level, plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA), periodontal epithelial surface area (PESA), radiographic relative bone loss, restorative performance according to modified USPHS criteria, tooth survival, splint survival, and patient satisfaction were evaluated at baseline and after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.

The findings are expected to provide evidence regarding the short-term clinical effectiveness, periodontal compatibility, restorative performance, and patient-centered outcomes of intracoronal polyethylene fiber-reinforced periodontal splints in the management of periodontally compromised mobile anterior teeth.

Inclusion criteria

Adults aged 18 years or older. Presence of at least one maxillary or mandibular anterior tooth with pathologic mobility due to periodontal attachment loss requiring intracoronal ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber (Ribbond®) splinting, performed as an adjunct to non-surgical (Phase I) or surgical (Phase II) periodontal therapy, or following completion of periodontal therapy.

Willingness to attend all scheduled follow-up visits during the study period. Provision of written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

Age younger than 18 years. Pregnancy. Splint placement performed for dentoalveolar trauma rather than periodontal attachment loss.

History of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immunosuppressive therapy. Temporary splinting intended only for provisional periodontal stabilization. Splinting performed using materials other than ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber (Ribbond®), including wire-composite or composite-only splints.