Periodontal Regeneration of Vital Poor Prognosis Teeth with Attachment Loss Involving the Root Apex: Two Cases with up to 5 Years Follow-Up

Abstract

Teeth with attachment loss involving the root apex are severely compromised and have a poor periodontal prognosis. In cases where periodontal regeneration is possible, current guidelines suggest that endodontic treatment is performed first. However, root canal treatment increases the overall treatment time and costs, has risks of endodontic complications, and could predispose teeth to mechanical failure. In this case report, two patients diagnosed with periodontitis stage III/IV grade C, no history of smoking or diabetes, and attachment loss involving the root apex of a tooth, were treated with guided tissue regeneration. These two cases are unique because successful periodontal regeneration was carried out without endodontic treatment, and the vitality of these teeth was maintained longitudinally. This report presents the management that led to this clinical outcome, and important guidelines for case selection are identified. Within the limitations of this study, vital teeth with radiographic bone loss involving the apex may be treated successfully with periodontal regeneration and remain vital at least in the short- to medium-term.