The effect of interdental continuous loop wire splinting and intermaxillary fixation on the marginal gingiva

To study the influence of interdental loop-wire splinting and intermaxillary fixation on the marginal gingiva, 30 patients were evaluated clinically using different periodontal parameters, at 5 examination times. It was shown that despite a standardized oral hygiene regime including the use of a mouthrinse, gingival inflammation occurred for the duration of the splinting period. Factors other than the presence of limited plaque, such as gingival trauma due to splint application and subsequent mechanical irritation should be considered as possible aetiological factors. All investigated marginal gingival changes had totally reversed 2 weeks following loop-wire splint removal, apart from tooth mobility which did not re-attain pre-operative levels, the difference, however, being statistically insignificant.