A New Treatment Method of Mandibular Fracture using Acrylic Splint

ABSTRACT

As modern society becomes increasingly complex, there has been a steady increase in violence, as well as in automobile and industrial accidents. This has resulted in an increased incidence of facial injuries, including mandibular fractures. Many methods have been advocated to achieve reestablishment of normal feature and function. The choice generally depends upon such factors as location of the fractures, displacements, status of the dentition and favorability of the fracture line. Many cases of mandibular fracture are treated by intermaxillay fixation using an arch bar or bite block(acrylic splint)for rapid bone union and minimal displacement. However, there had been some problems, such as discomfort to patients, limitation to eating and weight loss, poor oral hygiene, and temporomandibular joint ankylosis. As a consequence, we have modified the shape of the acrylic splint and method of fixation for circum-mandibular fixation instead of intermaxillary fixation. Acrylic splints are rigid, strong, easily adjusted and repaired, translucent, lightweight and well tolerated by the oral mucosa. The splints are properly secured to each tooth and bind all the teeth together as a single unit. Authors have used modified acrylic splints as tools of circum-mandibular fixation in 12 cases of mandibular symphysis and body fracture from May 1997 to August 1998, achieving the results of very good occlusal relationship, oral hygiene and comfort to patients.