Vital root retention in humans: an interim report

A protocol based upon findings in laboratory animal studies was established for the retention of vital roots for overdenture support in humans. Ten patients with a mean age of 54.5 years and a postsurgical mean time of 11.1 months had 45 vital teeth buried submucosally under complete overdentures. Of the 45 teeth, 37 remained vital, seven were endodontically treated due to acute pulpal response following surgery, and one tooth has been extracted. A mean interproximal bone loss of 1.1 mm had occurred at the time the data were tabulated for this report. This project included a cross section of patient types, tooth selection, and surgical and prosthodontic management that varied slightly from the methods utilized in earlier patient treatment. The inclusion of maxillary teeth, the increased thoroughness of root surface roundings, and the utilization of root canal therapy with subsequent reburying of apulpally involved teeth expanded the scope of this research. A final report on this project will be forthcoming when all patients have been followed for a 24-month period.