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Timmerman MF, Van der Weijden VA J Clin Periodontol 2006; 33: 620–625

Previous studies have suggested that endodontic lesions may sometimes have adverse periodontal consequences. In 286 consecutive patients in a Dutch periodontal practice, 67 sets of radiographs were identified where root-filled teeth had contralateral teeth without evidence of pulpal pathology. Altogether, 108 pairs of teeth were found, and in 38 pairs, a post had been provided after root filling.

In root-filled teeth without posts, mesial and distal mean bone levels were 4.2 mm and 4.5 mm, compared with levels of 3.5 mm (P < 0.01) and 3.9 mm (P < 0.01) on controls. In teeth with posts, mesial and distal levels were both 4.3 mm, compared with mesial 3.3 mm (P < 0.01) and distal 4.0 mm (NS) on controls. On 30 teeth with furcations, inter-radicular radiolucencies were significantly commoner in root-filled teeth (28 v. 21). The authors discuss mechanisms by which endodontic involvement or root-treatment may affect alveolar bone.