title: Endodontic treatment enhances the regenerative potential of teeth with advanced periodontal disease with secondary endodontic involvement.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to identify a role for endodontic intervention in enhancing the regenerative potential of the periodontal ligament when combined with periodontal treatment in seriously involved teeth with a secondary endodontic component.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients who exhibited radiolucency extending to the periapical region, abnormal electric pulp testing values, and deep probing depth derived from primary periodontal disease with secondary endodontic involvement were included. Intentional root canal treatment was applied to those teeth in which the apical lesions were presumed to communicate with those of the periodontal lesion of the teeth that remained vital. In all three selected cases, regenerative periodontal therapy incorporating either bone graft or guided tissue regeneration was instituted 3 months after the endodontic intervention.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Remarkable enhancement in radiographic density was noticeable around the affected teeth as evidenced by changes in radiopacity. There was a significant reduction in the probing pocket depth and gain in the clinical attachment level. Chewing discomfort gradually disappeared from the commencement of the combined treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An intentional endodontic intervention may be a worthwhile approach for the sophisticated management of teeth suffering from serious attachment loss and alveolar bone destruction with concomitant secondary endodontic involvement.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontology, Pusan National University School of Dentistry, Yangsan, Korea.
authors.forename: Eun-Young
authors.initials: EY
authors.lastname: Kwon
authors.forename: Yunjung
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: Ju-Youn
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Sung-Jo
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Jeomil
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Choi
keywords: Periodontal attachment loss; Periodontal disease; Root canal therapy