Splinting in horizontal root fractures: A Bayesian network meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Dental Traumatology
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Restorative Dentistry

Background:

• Horizontal intra-alveolar root fractures are complex dental injuries.
• Optimal management strategies are crucial for favorable prognosis.
• Splinting is a common intervention, but its comparative efficacy requires evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine which splinting method provides the best prognosis for horizontal intra-alveolar root fractures.
• To systematically review existing literature on splinting techniques and their outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive search of seven electronic databases and gray literature was performed.
• Studies evaluating splinting methods for horizontal root fractures were included.
• Bayesian network meta-analysis and Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools were utilized.

Main Results:

• Six studies met the inclusion criteria from 3,174 retrieved references.
• No significant differences in healing outcomes were observed between different splint types or non-fixation.
• The degree of fragment displacement was identified as a critical factor impacting prognosis.

Conclusions:

• The choice of splinting material may not significantly influence the healing of horizontal intra-alveolar root fractures.
• Fracture characteristics, particularly displacement, and other treatment variables are essential for predicting tooth prognosis.
• Informed clinical decisions require understanding fracture patterns and splinting interventions.