The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical validity of multi-rooted teeth subjected to root-resection treatment. Over a period of 1-7 years, 60 root-resected molars in 59 patients were examined clinically and radiographically. All patients were periodically recalled once or twice a year. Root-resections were due to periodontal, more specifically furcal bone loss or marginal bone loss, in 34 cases and extensive dental carious destruction in 10 cases. In other cases, root-resections resulted from 6 cases of root fracture, 6 cases of periodontal-endodontic combined lesion, and 1 case of endodontic problem. Root-resection was carried out on 26 maxillary molars and 34 mandibular molars.

The results are as follows;

1. 14 cases(23.3%) were considered failures. 8 cases(13.3%) of them occurred within the first year(8 cases, 13.3%), 4 cases(6.7%) between 1-3 years, and 2 cases(3.3%) between 4-7 years.

2. 8 cases(13.3%) were considered failures due to periodontal reasons, 3 cases(5%) due to root fracture, 2 cases(3.3%) due to endodontic problem, and 1 case(1.7%) due to prosthetic problem.

3. 37 cases(61.7%) showed up for the recall appointments, and the percentage of failures(13.5%) was lower compared with that of all patients(23.3%).

The results of the present study indicate that the prognosis of root-resected teeth is favourable if attention is paid to the selection of proper case and to achieving optimal oral hygiene and periodic check up.