Influence of preoperative degree of tooth loosening and thickness of wire on the rigidity of wire composite splint

Methods and applications of finite element analysis in dental trauma research: A scoping review

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is vital for understanding dental traumatology (DT) biomechanics, aiding diagnosis, treatment planning, and outcome prediction. This review explores FEA applications in DT research, evaluates their quality and outcomes, and assesses methodological aspects. Accordingly, recommendations for future researchers are provided. The study adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for scoping reviews and registered in Open Science framework. A comprehensive search using relevant text-words and MeSH terms was performed in established databases. The inclusion criteria encompassed all Finite element analysis (FEA)-based Dental traumatology (DT) studies without language or publication year restrictions. Risk of bias was assessed with the Risk of bias tool for the use of finite element analysis in dentistry (ROBFEAD) tool. Forty-six studies published from 2001 to 2023 were included in the qualitative synthesis. The studies were categorized into five domains and six subdomains based on objectives. Maxillary central incisors and surrounding structures were commonly modelled (n = 27). Most studies utilized Computed tomography (CT), Cone Beam CT, or micro CT. Traumatic injury forces ranged from 100 N to 2000 N, and occlusal forces ranged from 150 N to 350 N. All studies were rated as high risk of bias. Fory-six studies were categorized, with most focusing on stress distribution and fracture patterns in dento-alveolar structures under various conditions, while few assessed displacements. Methodological quality lacked robustness in model development and substructure properties. Future studies should address these limitations and enhance reporting practices.

Effect of wire diameter and extent of wire composite splint on the mobility of luxated and anchor primary teeth: A typodont study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The recommendations for splinting are well established for the injuries of permanent dentition; however, ambiguity still exists for the injuries in primary dentition. Hence, this study aimed to determine the most appropriate dimensions of stainless steel wire and its extent, for achieving the physiologic mobility in primary dentition.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study was designed as an in vitro experiment by using a typodont model of primary dentition. The baseline mobility of primary maxillary incisors was calibrated to the physiologic mobility of natural primary incisors by using a Teflon tape wrapped around the roots of resin teeth. Splinting was done using a stainless steel wire of 0.2 mm (Group I), 0.3 mm (Group II), and 0.4 mm (Group III). These groups were subdivided (a, b, and c) on the basis of the extent of the splint, and pre splint mobility (Pre-PV) and post-splint mobility (Post-PV) were tested by Periotest M. The splint effect was calculated by subtracting Post-PVs and Pre-PVs.

RESULTS

The normal values of mobility in healthy human volunteers ranged from 10.5 to 13. The overall splint effect was higher in Group III irrespective of the extent of the splint, whereas it was found to be the lowest in Group I (b and c). The splint effect increased with the extent of the splint in all the groups. Among all the groups, the splint effect on the anchor teeth was observed to increase with the extent of the splint and the diameter of the wire.

CONCLUSION

The mobility of the injured and anchor teeth splinted with 0.2-mm stainless steel wire was similar to the pre-splint and physiologic mobility. The most favorable extension was one tooth adjacent to the injured tooth on each side for both 0.2- and 0.3-mm wires.