Retention of multi-rooted teeth with class III furcation lesions utilizing resins. Report of 17 cases

Treatment of periodontally diseased multi-rooted posterior teeth has conventionally consisted of scaling and root planing, apically positioned flaps, tunneling, root amputation, root resection, guided tissue regeneration, osseous grafting, and combination osseous graft and barrier membrane techniques. Successful treatment has often been directed and measured by how well the clinician obtains sufficient access to facilitate patient hygiene efforts. Long-term success is predicated upon tooth retention and the arrest of further destruction within the furcation area.

Seventeen adult periodontal patients with Class III furcation defects were evaluated. Using an open flap procedure, a resin-ionomer was placed into all 3 furcation defects. The patients were placed on quarterly maintenance appointments and the teeth evaluated up to 1 year.

The results revealed that sealing the furcations of multi-rooted teeth with hopeless prognoses seems to be a viable alternative to accessing the same intraradicular areas for maintenance using more conventional modes of therapy. Sealing further decreases the surface area of the furca and simplifies future maintenance.

The present study showed that teeth with hopeless prognoses might be retained by decreasing probing depths, bleeding upon probing, and mobility when furcation areas are sealed with a resin-ionomer.