Evaluation of composite resin materials for maxillomandibular fixation in cats for treatment of jaw fractures and temporomandibular joint luxations.

OBJECTIVE

To identify a method of composite application for maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) in cats that ensures the material will remain bonded during convalescence but be easy to remove with a low complication rate.

STUDY

DESIGN

Experimental study.

SAMPLE POPULATION: Feline cadavers (n=88).

METHODS

MMF was applied using composite to 4 groups of 22 feline cadaver heads each. The protocols were: group CR: acid etch and composite resin; group CR+: acid etch, bonding agent, and composite resin; group FR50: partial surface acid etch and flowable composite resin; group FR100: complete surface acid etch and flowable composite resin. Removal time and complication rate were noted. Load to failure was determined by tensile loading.

RESULTS

Load to failure was similar for groups CR and CR+ and for groups FR50 and FR100; however, load to failure for groups FR50 and FR100 was higher than groups CR and CR+ (P<.01). Time for material removal for group FR100 was longer (P<.01) and the complication rate was higher (P<.01) compared with the groups CR, CR+, and FR50, with no significant differences in removal times and complication rate between the latter groups. The most frequent complication during material removal in group FR100 was crown fracture.

CONCLUSIONS

Partial coronal surface acid etch before use of flowable composite maintained a strong bond, yet resulted in easy material removal with a low complication rate.