LONG-TERM EVALUATION OF ROOT-RESECTED MOLARS - A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Thirty-two consecutively treated patients were included in this study of 49 root-resected molars that were under regular recall of 3 to 6 mo nths for a mean of 11.5 years (2 to 23 years). Treatment modalities fo r ail patients were very similar Endodontic treatment was conservative ly performed prior to resection with maximum preservation of tooth str ucture. No threaded posts were used. Provisional restorations were in place prior to periodontal therapy (pocket reduction with or without o sseous surgery). Most patients were treated with complete-mouth recons tructions. Ninety-two percent of ail resected molars survived an avera ge of 12 years. Teeth failed because of recurrent caries or for endodo ntic and strategic reasons. If proper treatment is rendered periodonti cally involved molars can be maintained for a long period of time and serve successfully as abutments in complete-mouth restorations. Great care must be taken throughout the whole process of case selection, ree valuation, and endodontic, periodontal, restorative, and maintenance t herapies.