Submergence of roots for alveolar bone preservation. I. Endodontically treated roots.

Mandibular premolars in four dogs were endodontically treated and then totally submerged. Histologic and radiographic findings showed that this procedure should be considered as an alternative to extraction of key teeth in an effort to preserve alveolar bone. 1. Periodic follow-up on this procedure should be done to rule out cystic formation. 2. Beveling the coronal portion to the buccal is advocated to compensate for the thin buccal plate. 3. The procedure should be done in two steps to allow the root canal sealer to set, or an amalgam should be placed over the pulp canal. 4. New cementum and connective tissue will form over the coronal surface separating the dentin from new bone.