[Periodontal treatment of furcally involved teeth: with or without root resection?]

A retrospective radiographical and clinical evaluation of 275 molars (59 patients) with different classes of furcation involvement was assessed. Flap operations with and without root resections had been performed and the patients were enrolled in a regular maintenance program for at least 4 years (up to 8 years). The life expectancy of molars with root resection was compared to molars conventionally treated by flap operation. Probing depth was reduced significantly on molars of the lower jaw even with class III involvement, progression of periodontal disease could be arrested. The progression of bone loss (mean 1.4 mm) in molars of the upper jaw with a class III involvement could be stopped only by root resection. During the observation period 12 teeth had to be extracted. 8 for nonperiodontal reasons. The long-term prognosis of class III furcations only treated by flap operation with or without tunnel preparations was as good as that of root resected molars.