A Novel Material for an Instant Lingual Splint in a Patient With Le Fort I Combined With Palate Fracture: A Case Report.

Abstract

Le Fort I fractures with concurrent palatal fractures are rare, necessitating precise stabilization of facial buttresses to restore function and aesthetics. Conventional management includes maxillary open reduction and internal fixation combined with intermaxillary fixation. However, palatal fractures pose additional challenges, particularly during masseter muscle contraction, often resulting in dental arch widening. Lingual splints are commonly utilized to stabilize the dental structures and prevent dental arch widening, but traditional acrylic splint fabrication is time-consuming. In this study, we report on a 36-year-old female patient who suffered from facial contusions following a traumatic accident, which led to the diagnosis of Le Fort I fracture combined with palatal fracture. To address these challenges, we introduced thermoplastic polycaprolactone (PCL) as an innovative and instant material for lingual splint fabrication. The use of PCL significantly reduced the intraoperative preparation time by eliminating the need for preoperative dental impressions and reducing fabrication time from hours to just a few minutes. Compared to traditional acrylic splints, the PCL-based splint proved to be biocompatible, efficient, and cost-effective, thereby simplifying the management of maxillary fractures and promoting optimal healing outcomes.