Reevaluation of submerged vital roots.

A total of eight vital roots were submerged and retained under complete dentures in two patients. Within two to three years, each patient experienced problems of pain, re-exposure, and inflammation, resulting in the removal of the roots. Histologic evaluation showed evidence of chronic inflammation of the pulpal tissue. Because of alveolar resorption and perhaps super-eruption of the submerged roots, the likelihood of exposure and abscess is a distinct disadvantage to the procedure. Therefore, some doubt remains as to the long-term success with this technique.