Prosthetic considerations with periodontal root resective therapy, Part 1: Root amputations

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Restorative Dentistry
• Oral Surgery

Background:

• Periodontal disease can lead to significant alveolar bone loss, particularly in the furcation region of multi-rooted teeth.
• Retaining teeth with furcation involvement is crucial for supporting prosthetics and maintaining occlusal function.
• Root resective therapy is a surgical option to manage furcation involvement when extraction is not indicated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of root resective periodontal therapy in retaining teeth with furcation involvement.
• To determine the predictability of outcomes when combining surgical therapy with prosthetic rehabilitation.
• To identify contraindications for root resective therapy, such as fused roots or inadequate bone support.

Main Methods:

• Surgical intervention involving root resection in teeth with furcation involvement.
• Assessment of bony support around remaining roots.
• Subsequent prosthetic rehabilitation planning and execution.
• Exclusion of cases with fused roots or insufficient bone support.

Main Results:

• Root resective therapy, when indicated, allows for the retention of teeth compromised by furcation bone loss.
• The combination of surgical therapy and timely prosthetic rehabilitation yields predictable treatment results.
• Extraction is the necessary alternative when contraindications like fused roots or inadequate bony support are present.

Conclusions:

• Root resective periodontal therapy is a viable treatment option for select patients with furcation involvement.
• Careful patient selection, excluding cases with fused roots or insufficient bone, is critical for successful outcomes.
• This therapeutic approach, coupled with prosthetic rehabilitation, effectively preserves teeth for restorative and occlusal functions.