Dental Study Finds No Negative Impact on Root Canal-Treated Teeth Near Implants

A recent dental study delves into the fascinating realm of root canal-treated (RCT) teeth and their interaction with dental implants. 

The primary objective of this retrospective case-control study was to assess the survival of RCT teeth situated adjacent to dental implants and compare it with RCT teeth within the same patient that are not adjacent to implants.

Methodology and Patient Cohort

For this comprehensive analysis, the study carefully selected RCT teeth that were adjacent to dental implants, forming the test group. In contrast, the control group comprised RCT teeth from the same patients, but these teeth were not adjacent to dental implants and were of the same type as the RCT teeth in the test group. A total of 72 teeth from 36 patients, each with a minimum 4-year follow-up, were included in the study.

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The research also examined various clinical and demographic parameters, including factors such as age, gender, tooth type and position, the presence of crowns, retreatment, post-core presence, adjacent edentulous areas, the existence of implant-supported fixed prosthetic restorations on antagonist teeth, and periapical health status.

Key Findings: No Detrimental Impact of Implants on RCT Teeth

The study’s findings offer a reassuring insight for patients and dental professionals alike. It revealed that there was no significant difference in survival rates between RCT teeth adjacent to dental implants and those that were not (p=0.72). Moreover, no substantial correlation was established between the clinical variables examined and the survival rates of RCT teeth (p>0.05).

However, the study did uncover specific factors that affected survival times. Notably, the presence of an adjacent edentulous area had a significant impact on survival times (p<0.001), as did the periapical health status (p=0.026). Teeth with unhealed periapical tissues exhibited shorter cumulative survival times, while those adjacent to edentulous areas demonstrated reduced cumulative and complication-free survival times.

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Significance of the Study

This study holds significant clinical relevance, as it marks the first time that the survival outcomes of RCT teeth adjacent to dental implants were systematically compared with non-adjacent RCT teeth within the same patient. The results show that being adjacent to a dental implant does not adversely affect the survival time or rate of RCT teeth.

In essence, this research provides valuable insights for dental practitioners and their patients, reassuring that RCT teeth can coexist successfully with dental implants, offering a promising outlook for dental treatments.