Root Resection and Hemisection Revisited. Part I: A Systematic Review.

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Endodontics
• Periodontics

Background:

• Root resection and hemisection are established treatments for furcated molars.
• The prognosis and factors influencing outcomes require systematic evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review survival and failure rates of root resection and hemisection.
• To identify factors contributing to outcome variability.

Main Methods:

• Searched Medline (PubMed), Embase, and Google Scholar up to September 2016.
• Screened 1,012 publications; 22 studies met inclusion criteria (minimum 5 cases).
• Two reviewers extracted data on survival rates and follow-up duration.

Main Results:

• Survival rates varied widely (40.3%–100%), with follow-up periods from 6 months to 23 years.
• Half of the studies reported survival rates exceeding 90% with 5–23 years of follow-up.
• Inconsistent reporting on case selection, endodontic, restorative, and maintenance therapy was noted.

Conclusions:

• Root resection and hemisection demonstrate high survival rates, making them viable options for furcated molars.
• Incomplete data in numerous studies complicates result interpretation and necessitates more rigorous, long-term clinical trials.