Retrospective study of flexible fiber splints in the treatment of horizontal root fractures in permanent teeth

To analyze the clinical effect of flexible fiber splint on traumatized permanent teeth with horizontal root fractures and to provide the basis for clinical treatment.

The case data of 54 permanent root anterior teeth with horizontal root fractures were collected. Patients with affected teeth were followed for 1 to 2 years to analyze the root fractures. The preservation rate and pulp survival rate were analyzed, and further analysis was performed on the effects of the root fracture location (cervical 1/3, Mid-root, apical 1/3), root development stage (mature permanent teeth, young permanent teeth), dislocation of the coronal fragment (<1 mm, 1 mm, > 1 mm) on root fracture healing and dental pulp survival.

A total of 54 teeth with root fractures were treated according to the International Dental Trauma Association Treatment Guidelines. After the application of flexible fiber splint fixation, the tooth preservation rate was 90.7%, and the pulp survival rate was 75.9%, the hard tissues healing rate was 61.1%(33/54). There were no significant differences in the locations of root fractures, the developmental stages of the roots, or the degrees of dislocation of coronal fragment on the types of root fracture healing or dental pulp survival (P > 0.05).

The flexible fiber splint has a wide range of indications. Except for affected teeth with the root fracture located above the alveolar crest, other types of horizontal root fractures in anterior teeth can be treated with flexible fiber splint fixation and can achieve a good prognosis.