This study evaluated secondary caries and periodontal conditions associated with metal (MCs) and composite resin copings (RCs) of abutment teeth for overdentures. The rates of secondary caries and periodontal problems in 70 root copings (41 MCs, 29 RCs) in 35 patients were retrospectively investigated for a period of 6.9 years. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests and logistic regression (P .05). No significant differences in secondary caries or periodontal conditions were detected between MCs and RCs. These results suggest that RCs and MCs can be used as root copings of abutment teeth for overdentures.