Gunning Splint Modified to Complete DenturesProsthesis: A Conservative Management ofEdentulous Mandibular Fracture

摘要

The objective of the study was to fabricate definitive prosthesis by modifying the splints used for fracture reduction, so as to simplify the treatment of edentulous patient. Traumatic fractures are known to present with clinically debilitating repercussions, and when occurring in edentulous jaws, achieving effective management becomes an even more herculean task for the clinician. Thus, deciding for the most appropriate line of management, whether surgical or conservative, becomes crucial, which is guided by a plethora of factors, namely patient factors, nature of mandibular fracture (displaced or undisplaced, favourable or unfavourable), type of armamentarium available and the surgeon?s skills. Closed reduction of undisplaced fractures of edentulous mandible using Gunning splint, though an old concept, still reckons a trust worthy treatment aid in treating such types of fractures. This study illustrates a case report of edentulous mandibular fracture in which a gunning splint with posterior teeth as occlusal stops were used for achieving adequate immobilisation and fixation of parasymphyseal fracture segments, and it was subsequently modified to complete denture prosthesis as a simplified rehabilitation measure.