title: Retrospective study of combined splinting restorations in the aesthetic zone of periodontal patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This retrospective study evaluated the clinical performance of combining a fiber-reinforced, composite-resin (FRC) bonded splint; bridge; fiber post; and/or resin veneer for the restoration of periodontally-involved anterior teeth.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty-three patients with periodontally-involved anterior teeth each received one of the following splinting restorations: FRC-bonded splint-bridges (SB), a combination of an FRC-bonded splint and resin veneer (SV), or FRC-bonded splints (S). Six patients with healthy periodontal teeth received orthodontic retainers with FRC-bonded splints (OS) as a control. Modified USPHS criteria were used to evaluate the effects of rehabilitation, and the periodontal pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) of the natural teeth were measured.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All restorations resulted in good aesthetic outcomes. SV, S in combination with fiber posts and OS all resulted in 100% acceptable ratings for each category that was directly evaluated at each follow-up. The mean PPD was 3.5 ± 1.0 mm at baseline, decreased to 3.3 ± 1.0 mm after one year (p <0.05), and subsequently increased to 3.5±1.0 mm again after four years (p >0.05). These changes were similar to those in the mean CAL.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A combination of a FRC-bonded splint, bridge, fiber post and/or resin veneer for minimally invasive prosthodontic treatment in the aesthetic zone is a good choice for periodontal patients.
authors.affiliation: The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
authors.forename: X
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.affiliation: The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ma
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003188:Composite Resins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D003801:Dental Veneers; D003829:Denture, Partial; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D010516:Periodontal Splints; D011176:Post and Core Technique; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D003188:Composite Resins