关键词: 牙周炎, 数字化设计, 牙周夹板, 咬合导板, 聚醚醚酮, 松动牙固定

Abstract:

Objective To investigate the fixation efficacy of a digital occlusion-guided periodontal splint for loose teeth with periodontitis and evaluate its subsequent clinical outcomes. Methods The surface of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material was etched with 98% concentrated sulfuric acid for 0, 60, 90 s, and 5 min, respectively. The surface micromorphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy, and the changes in mechanical properties were measured using a universal testing machine to determine the final etching conditions. Ten patients with periodontitis Stage Ⅲ and anterior tooth loosening who visited Department of Periodontology, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from March 2024 to September 2025 were selected. The loose teeth were fixed using a digitally 3D-printed occlusal positioning guide device and acid-etched PEEK periodontal splints. Periodontal pocket depth, attachment loss, and plaque index of the teeth in the splint fixation area were recorded and compared before splint fixation and at 3rd, 6th, and 12th months after fixation. Results Based on the results of scanning electron microscope observation of surface morphology and mechanical strength testing with a universal testing machine after etching, the optimal etching condition was determined as etching with 98% concentrated sulfuric acid for 90 s. At 3rd, 6th, and 12th months after fixation, the patients’ periodontal pocket depth and plaque index were significantly lower than those before fixation (P<0.05), while there was no statistically significant difference in clinical attachment loss (P>0.05). Conclusion The digitally fabricated PEEK periodontal splint guided by the occlusal positioning device exhibits favorable clinical fixation effect and holds promising prospects for clinical application.

Key words: periodontitis, digital design, periodontal splint, occlusal guide plate, polyetheretherketone, loose tooth fixation