Submucosal root retention. A two-year clinical observation

Eight subjects had the crowns of 21 teeth surgically amputated, and the roots were covered by alveolar mucosa. At the time of surgery, 17 teeth were vital and four had received endodontic therapy. After an average 2-year-period, 12 teeth (57%) remained submerged without complications. Two roots have been extracted, three have been successfully converted to regular overdenture abutments, and the remaining four have appeared in the mouth and are still under observation. Caution is urged as to expectations of a long-term prosthetic benefit from this procedure.