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.