Periapical healing of mandibular molars after root-end sealing with dentine-bonded composite.

AIM The purpose was to present the frequency of periapical healing in first and second/third mandibular molars, after root-end resections sealed with a dentine-bonded resin composite. METHODOLOGY Root-end sealing of resected mandibular molar roots was made with dentine-bonded composite (Gluma-Retroplast) as a cover on the entire slightly hollowed root-end, in an attempt to prevent leakage. RESULTS Out of the 834 roots recalled between 6 months and 12.5 years postoperatively, 92% showed complete apical healing, 1% uncertain healing and 7% exhibited failure. The healing result of 681 first molar roots was not significantly different (P = 0.21) from that of 153 second/third molar roots, and there was no significant difference in healing between mesial and distal roots (P = 0.32 for first molars, P = 0.86 for second/third molars) or amongst six age groups (P = 0.94). In the patient group: 71-89 years, 36 roots showed an average of 97% with complete healing. Out of 25 failures who were retreated surgically, 80% showed complete healing when examined subsequently. CONCLUSION Root-end sealing of mandibular molars with dentine-bonded resin composite is a promising technique giving 92% complete healing in cases examined between 6 months and 12 years postoperatively.