Abutment load transfer by removable partial denture obturator frameworks in different acquired maxillary defects

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Prosthodontics
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Maxillary resection defects pose challenges for partial denture restoration.
• Excessive stress on abutment teeth can compromise their long-term viability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To photoelastically compare forces on abutment teeth supporting removable partial dentures in varying maxillectomy defect sizes.
• To evaluate the impact of splinting on stress distribution.

Main Methods:

• Construction of photoelastic models simulating partial, radical, and radical with contralateral premaxilla maxillectomies.
• Fabrication of removable partial denture frameworks and application of simulated occlusal loads.
• Observation and photographic recording of stress patterns using a circular polariscope, with and without splinting of abutment teeth.

Main Results:

• Unsplinted abutment teeth exhibited tipping, particularly with larger resections.
• Splinting reduced tipping and promoted more uniform stress distribution around abutment tooth roots.
• Stress patterns varied based on the size and location of the maxillectomy defect.

Conclusions:

• Splinting the two teeth adjacent to a resection defect enhances stress distribution.
• This improved biomechanical environment may increase the clinical lifespan of abutment teeth in maxillectomy patients.