By Gordon J. Christensen, DDS, MSD, PhD
Two groups of patients were studied in the retrospective project. Fifty-six mandibular first or first and second molars were treated by hemisection and crowns. In a second group, molars were extracted and first or first and second molars were replaced with implants. All patients were observed for at least four years.
Sixty-eight percent of the hemisected teeth and 89% of the implant group remained free of complications. The hemisected group had a higher incidence of unsalvageable complications. (Gregory-George Z et al. Mandibular molar root resection versus implant therapy: a retrospective nonrandomized study. J Oral Implantol. 2009; 35(2):52-62)
Dr. Gordon Christensen comments: We have observed this same comparison over many years of clinical practice. When adequate bone is present for implants, implants appear to be the most adequate treatment. When inadequate bone is present and extensive grafting is not acceptable to the patient, hemisection and splinted crowns are a good alternative.
Vol. 14, Issue 6
Author bio
Dr. Christensen is a practicing prosthodontist in Provo, Utah, and dean of the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry. He is the founder and director of Practical Clinical Courses, an international continuing-education organization initiated in 1981 for dental professionals. Dr. Christensen is a cofounder (with his wife, Rella) and senior consultant of CLINICIANS REPORT (formerly Clinical Research Associates), which since 1976 has conducted research in all areas of dentistry.
