Tetley suffered fractures of both sides of his lower jaw due to severe periodontal disease
This is the right side showing the fracture. When periodontal bone loss from infection is the cause it is termed a pathologic fracture.
Dentists use teeth commonly to repair fractures especially when very little bone is present from disease. Since Tetley had no teeth in that area, Dr. Beckman “created” teeth using wires carefully placed around both lower jaws.
Orthodontic chains were then passed around the wire in a horseshoe pattern to create a “scaffold” using composite buttons bonded to the lower canine teeth.
Acrylic is then used to cover the “scaffold” to create a rigid splint
Seven weeks later the splint is removed after both jaws have completely healed. Tetley has normal jaw function, no further jaw infection and looks a feels normal again.
