Title: A controversial alternative to prevent alveolar bone resorption

Biography:

Cristina Navarro was born in Madrid, Spain. She received her doctorate of dental surgery in at San Pablo CEU, Madrid in June 2018 and later joined the Oral Surgery program at NYU. She is currently finishing her first year of residency and is involved in multiple studies conducted by the NYU Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Cristina enjoys studying language and participated in a Medical English course in Oxford. In her free time, Cristina likes visiting her family and fine dining with friends.

Abstract

Multiple reports indicate that the root submergence technique (RST) can be successfully applied in pontic site development with fixed implant supported restorations, especially in the maxillary esthetic zone, as an alternative to other socket preservation modalities. The aim of this study is to discuss the benefits and limitations of the RST on preserving the periodontal tissue at a pontic site of fixed implant-supported restorations. 

Submerged roots can preserve bone and soft tissue so that the gingival contour of a pontic site is in harmony the adjacent abutment implants or teeth. Non-infected vital or endodontically treated roots reduced at the level of the bone crest or below the crest and completely submerged within the alveolus qualify and are able to effectively preserve the residual ridge even in implant-supported restorations. However, periapical lesions, external root resorption, gradual eruption and exposure and root caries are critical complications which may affect adjacent implants and limit this protocol in daily practice.

Several clinicians consider the RST as a potential treatment option in pontic site augmentation. However, the current data lack of higher level evidence for reliable and predictable long-term outcomes.

Only with high caution and in strictly selected single cases, the root submergence technique might serve as an alternative method of maintaining the alveolar ridge in fixed implant supported restorations.