Interdental wiring in jaw fractures: effects on teeth and surrounding tissues after a one-year follow-up

Several authors have suggested that interdental wiring may have an adverse effect on the teeth and surrounding tissues. In the present study we examined 250 teeth that had been subjected to wiring and 142 adjacent teeth that had not been wired (controls). During the wiring period, and after a minimum of 1 year following treatment of the jaw fracture, the teeth and periodontal tissues were examined by periodontal probing, percussion sound test, mobility test, sensitivity test, and radiography. One tooth showed temporary increased mobility. Periodontal health was clinically and radiologically fully restored after a year in all teeth. Progressive caries was seen in 2 patients and was treated. Loss of sensitivity was seen in 3 teeth adjacent to the fracture site and in one tooth adjacent to a titanium cortical screw. However, these pulpal changes either recovered spontaneously or were treated endodontically. There were few late problems in the teeth and surrounding tissues. In 243 teeth (97%), completely healthy conditions were found in pulp and periodontium. There was no evidence of root resorption or dentoalveolar ankylosis. We conclude that late deleterious effects on the teeth and periodontal tissues from interdental wiring in the treatment of jaw fractures were uncommon 1 year after the removal of the interdental wiring.