Root resective procedures vs implant therapy in the management of furcation-involved molars

Therapeutic decision making and successful treatment of furcation- involved molars has been a challenge for many clinicians. Over recent decades, several techniques have been advocated in the treatment of furcated molar teeth, including nonsurgical periodontal therapy, regenerative therapy, and resective surgical procedures. Today, root resection is considered a relevant treatment modality in the management of furcation- involved multirooted molars. However, root resective procedures are very technique-sensitive and require a high level of periodontal, endodontic, and restorative expertise. Given the high documented success rates of implant treatment, the clinician is increasingly confronted with the dilemma of whether to treat a furcated molar by traditional root resective techniques or to extract the tooth and replace it with a dental implant. This article reviews the outcomes of root resective therapy for the management of furcation-involved multirooted teeth and discusses treatment alternatives including implant therapy. Treatment guidelines for root resective therapy, along with advantages and limitations, are presented to help the clinician in the decision-making process.