Rehabilitation with Table-Top Restoration Post Bicuspidisation: An Interdisicplinary Case Report

Abstract

The first teeth to erupt in the oral cavity are the mandibular molars which are more prone to endodontic and periodontal involvement. This may lead to significant issues like an increase in pocket depth, furcation involvement, loss of clinical attachment and mobility of teeth ultimately resulting in tooth loss. Thus, it necessitates cautious oral hygiene measures. Advances in dentistry have led to treatment modalities for preserving teeth which were earlier indicated for extraction. Hence, periodontally compromised tooth with severe furcation involvement, which may not be amenable for regeneration, may be retained by bicuspidisation. Bicuspidisation is a surgical technique which involves separation of mesial and distal roots of mandibular molars along with its crown portion, where both segments are then retained individually, followed by rehabilitation with fixed prosthesis of the individual segments. This not only eliminates furcation involvement but also facilitates effective oral hygiene maintenance. In the present case report, a 50-yearold male patient reported with the chief complaint of pain, sensitivity and food lodgement in left mandibular first molar. Clinical and radiographic examination revealed grade III furcation involvement, significant pocket depths, delayed electric pulp test response and bone loss in furcation area. Bicuspidisation was opted as the suitable treatment modality. Root canal treatment was done, followed by bicuspidisation and subsequent rehabilitation with novel prosthetic technique. The bicuspids were restored using combination of deep margin elevation, and non splinted Lithium Disilicate table-top restorations. Six month follow-up showed good healing of hard and soft tissues around the bicuspidized sections, which was indicative of a successful treatment outcome, and can be attributed to a careful case selection, choice of restorative materials and techniques as well as good oral hygiene compliance.