Permanent splint using removable partial denture framework on reduced periodontium: A case report

Periodontally compromised teeth with mobility require splint appliances to help stabilize and promote healing. Among the appliances, removable partial dentures (RPD) with metal framework have been proven to reduce the mobility of anterior teeth and restore the masticatory function. This case report demonstrated the use of RPD with the metal framework as a permanent splint in clinical gingival health with a reduced periodontium. A middle-aged male patient came to the clinic with a complaint of chewing difficulty due to several missing and mobile teeth. The RPD was used subsequently after the initial and surgical phases of periodontal therapy had been implemented, and gingival health was evaluated. The therapy consists of dental health education, professional mechanical plaque removal, occlusal adjustments, and a posterior intra-coronal splint on teeth that have undergone surgical therapy such as open flap debridement on teeth #46, #47, and #48, according to the FDI teeth numbering system. The mobility in the anterior region, which included teeth #31, #32, #41, and #42, was treated with the double lingual bar design of the metal framework of the RPD as the permanent splint. This major connector design also enables the patient to enhance his ability to self-clean, which aims to improve oral hygiene and maintain periodontal health. Furthermore, the occlusal rests of the RPD design, which were placed at teeth #35, #38, #44, and #45, were useful for distributing occlusal forces to aid the treatment of mobility. It can be concluded that RPD with a metal framework was beneficial as a splint to stabilize, strengthen the supporting tissues, and distribute the occlusal forces while re-establishing function.