Year: 2026 | Month: April-June | Volume: 11 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 178-185
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/gijhsr.20260220
The Role of Endodontic Treatment in Preserving Anterior Tooth as Overdenture Abutment: A Case Report
Riyandhika Putra N1, Wandania Farahanny2
1Resident of Specialist Program Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia.
2Lecturer, Department of Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia.
Corresponding Author: Wandania Farahanny
ABSTRACT
Preserving natural teeth as overdenture abutments provides functional and biological benefits. When these teeth are compromised by structural damage or pulpal pathology, endodontic treatment becomes essential to eliminate infection and maintain the root for prosthetic support. A 46-year-old female patient presented with a severely damaged maxillary anterior tooth and multiple missing teeth. Clinical examination revealed extensive coronal destruction with pulpal exposure, while radiographic evaluation showed periapical radiolucency. The tooth was diagnosed with pulp necrosis and asymptomatic apical periodontitis. Root canal treatment was performed, and a one-month follow-up showed the tooth to be asymptomatic with radiographic signs of healing. Crown lengthening was subsequently carried out to achieve an adequate ferrule effect, followed by partial gutta-percha removal and placement of a metal cast coping to function as an overdenture abutment. The success of overdenture therapy depends on the health of abutment teeth. Endodontic treatment enables preservation of compromised teeth by eliminating infection and promoting periapical healing, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for optimal outcomes. This case highlights the importance of integrating endodontic, periodontal, and prosthodontic management to preserve strategically important teeth and enhance the long-term success of overdenture rehabilitation.
Keywords: Abutment, Endodontics, Multidisciplinary Care Team, Overdenture, Pulp Necrosis