Regenerative endodontic treatment of necrotic permanent teeth with pre-eruptive intracoronal radiolucency: a case report.

Pre-eruptive intracoronal radiolucency is a rare dental anomaly with unclear aetiology, generally asymptomatic and diagnosed through routine radiographs. Failure to diagnose and treat it early can lead to rapid pulp damage, potentially compromising root development. The presented clinical report describes a mandibular second premolar with pre-eruptive intracoronal radiolucency that caused early pulp necrosis with arrest of root formation and emphasises the endodontic management using regenerative endodontic therapy.

An innovative cell-based transplantation therapy for an immature permanent tooth in an adult: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Immature teeth with necrotic pulps present multiple challenges to clinicians. In such cases, regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) may be a favorable strategy. Cells, biomaterial scaffolds, and signaling molecules are three key elements of REPs. Autologous human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) play an important role in pulp regeneration. In addition, autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) have recently been demonstrated as effective biomaterial scaffolds in regenerative dentistry, whereas the latest generation of APCs-concentrated growth factor (CGF), especially liquid phase CGF (LPCGF)-has rarely been reported in REPs. CASE PRESENTATION: A 31-year-old woman presented to our clinic with the chief complaint of occlusion discomfort in the left mandibular posterior region for the past 5 years. Tooth #35 showed no pulp vitality and had a periodontal lesion, and radiographic examination revealed that the tooth exhibited extensive periapical radiolucency with an immature apex and thin dentin walls. REP was implemented via transplantation of autologous hDPCs with the aid of LPCGF. The periodontal lesion was managed with simultaneous periodontal surgery. After the treatment, the tooth was free of any clinical symptoms and showed positive results in thermal and electric pulp tests at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. At 12-month follow-up, radiographic evidence and three-dimensional models, which were reconstructed using Mimics software based on cone-beam computed tomography, synergistically confirmed bone augmentation and continued root development, indicating complete disappearance of the periapical radiolucency, slight lengthening of the root, evident thickening of the canal walls, and closure of the apex. CONCLUSION: hDPCs combined with LPCGF represents an innovative and effective strategy for cell-based regenerative endodontics.

Deciduous pulp tissue implantation into the root canal of mandibular incisor resulted in pulp revascularization: a case report with a 5-year follow-up.

To explore a new method to implant deciduous tooth pulp into the canal of young permanent teeth with necrotic pulps and apical periodontitis for the regenerative endodontic treatment of tooth no: 41 in a 7-year-old male. Briefly, 1.5% Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) irrigation and calcium hydroxide-iodoform paste were used as root canal disinfectant at the first visit. After 2 weeks, the intracanal medication was removed, and the root canal was slowly rinsed with 17% Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid (EDTA), followed by flushing with 20 mL saline and then drying with paper points. Tooth no: 72 was extracted, and its pulp was extracted and subsequently implanted into the disinfected root canal along with induced apical bleeding. Calcium hydroxide iodoform paste was gently placed over the bleeding clot, and after forming a mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) coronal barrier, the accessed cavities were restored using Z350 resin composite. The root developments were evaluated via radiographic imaging at 6 months, 1 year and 5 years after treatment. Imaging and clinical analysis showed closure of the apical foramen, thickening of the root canal wall, and satisfactory root length growth. Autologous transplantation might be useful to regenerate dental pulp in necrotic young permanent teeth.

Regenerative Endodontic Procedures in Immature Teeth Affected by Regional Odontodysplasia.

INTRODUCTION: Regional odontodysplasia (ROD) is a rare developmental disorder characterized by hypo-mineralization and hypoplasia of enamel and dentin. Symptoms include poorly developed tooth buds, delayed eruption of permanent teeth in affected quadrants, and ghost teeth. The affected teeth often become necrotic due to abnormal enamel and dentin development, making them susceptible to caries and infection. The aim of this case report is to describe the treatment of ROD through pulp revascularization. CASE REPORT: A 13-year-old girl was referred for endodontic treatment. The mandibular left incisors and first premolar, which were affected by regional odontodysplasia, lost their vitality because of the impaired structure of the enamel. Due to the teeth's early developmental stage, a regenerative endodontic treatment was attempted. All 3 teeth were treated using the same protocol following the AAE guidelines. After 4 weeks, treatment of the premolar was completed, whereas the incisor teeth remained symptomatic and were and therefore, intracanal dressing with calcium hydroxide was repeated and left in place for 5 months. Finally, the regenerative procedure was completed, and the crowns were restored. The patient was scheduled for follow-up examinations after 6 months, and then yearly for the next 3 years. After 1 year, the periapical lesion around the central incisor and premolar had resolved, the lesion around the apex of the lateral incisor was healing, and the roots had continued to develop. After 3 years, complete healing and pulp canal obliteration were observed in the central incisor and in the premolar. However, the root of the lateral incisor tooth was split, and it was recommended to extract this tooth. CONCLUSION: The positive outcomes of regenerative endodontics in the central incisor and premolar suggest that revascularization of the pulp may be optional for the treatment of immature necrotic teeth affected by developmental disorders, such as ROD, amelogenesis imperfecta, or dentinogenesis imperfecta.

Expert consensus on difficulty assessment of endodontic therapy.

Endodontic diseases are a kind of chronic infectious oral disease. Common endodontic treatment concepts are based on the removal of inflamed or necrotic pulp tissue and the replacement by gutta-percha. However, it is very essential for endodontic treatment to debride the root canal system and prevent the root canal system from bacterial reinfection after root canal therapy (RCT). Recent research, encompassing bacterial etiology and advanced imaging techniques, contributes to our understanding of the root canal system's anatomy intricacies and the technique sensitivity of RCT. Success in RCT hinges on factors like patients, infection severity, root canal anatomy, and treatment techniques. Therefore, improving disease management is a key issue to combat endodontic diseases and cure periapical lesions. The clinical difficulty assessment system of RCT is established based on patient conditions, tooth conditions, root canal configuration, and root canal needing retreatment, and emphasizes pre-treatment risk assessment for optimal outcomes. The findings suggest that the presence of risk factors may correlate with the challenge of achieving the high standard required for RCT. These insights contribute not only to improve education but also aid practitioners in treatment planning and referral decision-making within the field of endodontics.

A retrospective cohort study of pulp prognosis in luxated permanent teeth: a competing risk analysis.

AIM: The present retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate luxated permanent teeth for pulp prognosis and risk factors. METHODOLOGY: Case records and radiographs of 224 patients, involving 427 luxated permanent teeth, referred for treatment at the Dental Trauma Center-School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, (DTC-SD-UFMG) from 2014 to 2022, were assessed for pulp prognosis classified as vitality, necrosis and pulp canal obliteration (PCO). A competing risk survival analysis estimated the hazards of the three outcomes, and the effect of demographic, clinical and treatment variables was tested using a cause specific Cox regression model. RESULTS: Pulp vitality was found in163 teeth (38.2%), pulp necrosis in 120 teeth (28.1%) and 55 teeth (12.9%) developed PCO. Pulp vitality decreased in the presence of concomitant crown fractures (HR 0.38 95% CI [0.2-0.8] p = 0.006). The risk of pulp necrosis (HR 0.62 95% CI [0.4-0.96] p = 0.03) was lower in cases with open apices but increased with concomitant crown fractures (HR 4.0 95% CI [2.6-6.1] p = 0.001) and intrusions (HR 2.3 95% CI [1.2-4.1] p = 0.007). Lateral or extrusive luxations (HR 3.0 95% CI [1.3-6.9] p = 0.001) and open apices (HR 2.4 95% CI [1.2-4.7] p = 0.01) showed higher rates of PCO. CONCLUSION: Type of luxation, the diameter of the apical foramen, and the presence of concomitant crown fractures were main determinants of pulp prognosis after luxation injuries in permanent teeth. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Pulp prognosis after tooth luxation is dependent on the presence and direction of tooth displacement together with infection control. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Correlation between pulp sensibility and magnetic resonance signal intensity following regenerative endodontic procedures in mature necrotic teeth- a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: With increasing studies being published on regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) as a treatment modality for mature necrotic teeth, the assessment of outcomes following regenerative endodontic procedures has become more challenging and the demand for a better understanding of the regenerated tissues following this treatment is rising. The study aimed to correlate cold, electric pulp testing (EPT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal intensity (SI) in mature necrotic teeth treated with regenerative endodontic procedures. METHODOLOGY: This retrospective cohort study included eighteen adult patients who experienced tooth necrosis in mature maxillary anterior teeth recruited from the outpatient clinic, Conservative Dentistry Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt from July 2017 until December 2018 with 12 months of follow-up. regenerative endodontic procedures via blood clot were performed. The canals were instrumented by ProTaper Next (PTN) files until final sizes X3 or X5. Biodentine was used as cervical plug material. Pre and post-operative clinical follow-up was done where the patients' responses to cold and electric pulp testing were given a scoring system and were compared to the normal contralateral tooth. Pre and post-operative magnetic resonance imaging signal intensity of both the involved tooth and its contralateral at the middle and the apical thirds of the root canals were assessed after 3, 6, and 12 months. Data was analyzed using the ANOVA, Friedman and Bonferroni tests. Significance was set at a p-value < 0.05. RESULTS: All 18 teeth scored a baseline score of "2" for cold and electric pulp testing. There was a significant difference between scores of the cold test at baseline and 12-month follow-up (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference between scores of the electric pulp testing of baseline and 12-month follow-up (p < 0.001). There was a moderately significant indirect (inverse) correlation between magnetic resonance imaging signal intensity and cold test in both the middle and apical thirds at 12 months. No significant correlations were detected between magnetic resonance imaging signal intensity and electric pulp testingat any of the time intervals (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance imaging is a successful non-invasive method to assess outcomes of regenerative endodontic procedures and correlating it with another reliable method of assessing pulpal responses, cold test, could validate these outcomes. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT03804450).

Failed Regenerative Endodontic Case Treated by Modified Aspiration-irrigation Technique and Apexification.

AIM: This report addresses the management of a large persistent discharging lesion in an 11-year-old boy. The report describes the use of aspiration-irrigation technique for the management of immature necrotic tooth with persistent discharge after a failed regenerative procedure. BACKGROUND: Regenerative endodontics aim to provide an increase in root canal width, length, and in apical closure. Alternative procedures, such as apexification, should be attempted when regeneration fails. If the canal cannot be dried to persistent discharge, the aspiration-irrigation technique can be used. The technique relies on using aspiration along with irrigation to remove pus from the periapical area. CASE DESCRIPTION: This is a case for an 11-year-old patient who had trauma to tooth #11, which resulted in the complicated crown fracture. He had an emergency management that included pulpectomy and intracanal medication at another clinic. Two years later, the patient was presented to our clinic. Upon examination, the diagnosis was previously initiated therapy with asymptomatic apical periodontitis in immature tooth #11. Regeneration was attempted first but failed. The mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) plug was removed, and the canal had persistent pus discharge. The canal was filled with intracanal medication, and then 2 weeks later, the canal was filled with triple antibiotic paste (TAP). Next visit, and due to continuous discharge, tooth #11 was treated conservatively with an intracanal aspiration-irrigation technique. An IrriFlex needle attached to a high-volume suction was used to aspirate the cystic fluid. Mineral trioxide aggregate plug apexification was performed in a later visit and the tooth was restored. CONCLUSION: During the 3-month and 16-month follow-up, there was resolution of the symptoms, a decrease in the periapical lesion size, and soft tissues appeared within normal limits. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Regenerative procedures are a good option for immature necrotic teeth. These procedures may fail due to persistent pus discharge from the root canals. The aspiration-irrigation technique is a good treatment option in cases of consciously discharging canals. How to cite this article: Alsofi L, Almarzouki S. Failed Regenerative Endodontic Case Treated by Modified Aspiration-irrigation Technique and Apexification. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(1):92-97.

Healing and long-term prognosis of root-fractured permanent teeth: a retrospective longitudinal study.

AIM: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate permanent teeth with post-traumatic transversal root fractures, for their initial healing modality, the effect of candidate predictors and their long-term prognosis. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective longitudinal clinical study was conducted to evaluate records from patients bearing transversal root fractures in permanent teeth in order to radiographically assess short-term healing and non-healing events in the fracture line, their prognostic factors and their relationship with long term outcomes. The inter-fragmentary tissues were classified as healing: hard tissue (HT), connective tissue (CT) or connective tissue and bone (CT + B) and non-healing: interposition of granulation tissue (GT). A competing risk survival analysis was conducted to estimate the hazards of healing and non-healing events in the short-term and the effect of demographic, clinical, and treatment variables was assessed using the subdistribution regression model (Fine & Gray). RESULTS: Radiographic findings showed 61.4% of healing in the short-term being strongly influenced by the presence and type of concomitant injuries to the coronal fragment. Teeth with concomitant crown fractures (sHR 24.38, 95% CI [3.16-188.3], p = 0.0022), luxations with dislocations (sHR 10.58, 95% CI [1.37-81.9], p = 0.0240) and subluxations (HR 9.66, 95% CI [1.14-81.7], p = 0.0370) were more likely to present non-healing of root fractures in the short-term. The healing rate in the long-term was of 75.9%, most of them with interposition of bone and connective tissue. Kappa statistics demonstrated an overall agreement of 67.1% between short and long-term healing patterns, in special HT and CT + Bone modalities. CONCLUSION: Healing at the fracture site was the most frequent outcome, both in the short-term and in the long-term. Short-term healing modality was strongly influenced by the presence and type of concomitant injuries to the crown fragment, being the worst prognosis observed in root-fractured teeth with concomitant crown fractures, followed by concomitant luxations with dislocation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Post-traumatic transversal root fractures have a positive prognosis supporting therefore, a more conservative approach for these teeth before considering more radical treatments.

Does the use of different scaffolds have an impact on the therapeutic efficacy of regenerative endodontic procedures? A systematic evaluation and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: In the regenerative endodontic procedures, scaffolds could influence the prognosis of affected teeth. Currently, there is controversy regarding the postoperative evaluation of various scaffolds for pulp regeneration. The objective of this study was to access whether other scaffolds, used alone or in combination with blood clot (BC), are more effective than BC in regenerative endodontic procedures. METHODS: We systematically search the PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Embase, and Google Scholar databases. Randomized controlled trials examining the use of BC and other scaffold materials in the regenerative endodontic procedures were included. A random effects model was used for the meta-analysis. The GRADE method was used to determine the quality of the evidence. RESULTS: We screened 168 RCTs related to young permanent tooth pulp necrosis through electronic and manual retrieval. A total of 28 RCTs were related to regenerative endodontic procedures. Ultimately, 12 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the relevant meta-analysis. Only 2 studies were assessed to have a low risk of bias. High quality evidence indicated that there was no statistically significant difference in the success rate between the two groups (RR=0.99, 95% CI=0.96 to 1.03; 434 participants, 12 studies); low-quality evidence indicated that there was no statistically significant difference in the increase in root length or root canal wall thickness between the two groups. Medium quality evidence indicated that there was no statistically significant difference in pulp vitality testing between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: For clinical regenerative endodontic procedures, the most commonly used scaffolds include BC, PRP, and PRF. All the different scaffolds had fairly high clinical success rates, and the difference was not significant. For regenerative endodontic procedures involving young permanent teeth with pulp necrosis, clinical practitioners could choose a reasonable scaffold considering the conditions of the equipment and patients.

Characterization of cells in blood evoked from periapical tissues in immature teeth with pulp necrosis and their potential for autologous cell therapy in Regenerative Endodontics.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to isolate, characterize progenitor cells from blood in the root canals of necrotic immature permanent teeth evoked from periapical tissues and evaluate the applicable potential of these isolated cells in Regenerative Endodontics. DESIGN: Ten necrotic immature permanent teeth from seven patients were included. Evoked bleeding from periapical tissues was induced after chemical instrumentation of the root canals. Cells were isolated from the canal blood and evaluated for cell surface marker expression, multilineage differentiation potential, proliferation ability, and target protein expression. Cell sheets formed from these cells were transferred into human root segments, and then transplanted into nude mice. Histological examination was performed after eight weeks. Data analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-hoc comparison, considering p < 0.05 as statistically significant. RESULTS: The isolated cells exhibited characteristics typical of fibroblastic cells with colony-forming efficiency, and displayed Ki67 positivity and robust proliferation. Flow cytometry data demonstrated that at passage 3, these cells were positive for CD73, CD90, CD105, CD146, and negative for CD34 and CD45. Vimentin expression indicated a mesenchymal origin. Under differentiation media specific differentiation media, the cells demonstrated osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation potential. Subcutaneous root canals with cell sheets of isolated cells in nude mice showed the formation of pulp-like tissues. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed the presence of progenitor cells in root canals following evoked bleeding from periapical tissues of necrotic immature teeth. Isolated cells exhibited similar immunophenotype and regenerative potential with dental mesenchymal stromal cells in regenerative endodontic therapy.

Revolutionizing Endodontics: Innovative Approaches for Treating Mature Teeth With Closed Apices and Apical Lesions: A Report of Two Cases.

INTRODUCTION: Modern tissue engineering strategies have elucidated the potential of regenerative endodontic treatment (RET) as an alternative for treating mature teeth. METHODS: Here, we report two cases in which cell-based RET (CB-RET) using encapsulated allogeneic umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) in a platelet-poor plasma (PPP)-based scaffold was used in two mature teeth with pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis. RESULTS: After 5 years of follow-up, the healing response was satisfactory in both cases, with evidence of pulp revitalization. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to report the success of an extended, 5-year follow-up for allogeneic CB-RET. This report presents an innovative and sustainable solution to challenging endodontic scenarios.

Allogeneic Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Transplantation Induces Dentin Pulp Complex-like Formation in Immature Teeth with Pulp Necrosis and Apical Periodontitis.

INTRODUCTION: Dental pulp regeneration is challenging in endodontics. Cellular therapy is an alternative approach to induce dental pulp regeneration. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have the capacity to induce dental pulp-like tissue formation. In this study, we evaluated the capacity of allogeneic bone marrow MSCs (BM-MSCs) to regenerate pulp following necrosis and apical periodontitis in children's permanent immature apex teeth. METHODS: Patients aged 8 to 12 years with pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis were evaluated. The study included 15 teeth (13 incisors and 2 molars) from 14 patients (8 boys and 6 girls). Radiographic evaluation showed periapical radiolucency and immature apex teeth. There was no response to cold or electric pulp testing. The root canal of each tooth was cleaned, shaped, and Ca(OH)2 used as an interappointment medication. Cryopreserved allogeneic BM-MSCs were thawed, expanded, incorporated into preclotted platelet-rich plasma, and implanted into the tooth's pulp cavity. They were sealed with bioceramic cement and composite. Sensibility, apical foramen, calcium deposits within the root canal, and resolution of periapical lesions were evaluated in each tooth over the following 12 months. RESULTS: Based on 9 variables established for dental pulp-like tissue regeneration, all MSC-treated teeth showed evidence of successful regeneration. Clinical and radiographic evaluation of the treated teeth showed periapical lesion healing, sensitivity to cold and electricity, decreased width of the apical foramen, and mineralization within the canal space. CONCLUSIONS: Transplantation of allogeneic MSCs induces the formation of dental pulp-like tissue in permanent immature apex teeth with pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis. Implant of MSCs constitutes a potential therapy in regenerative endodontics in pediatric dentistry. Future studies incorporating a larger sample size may confirm these results.

The consequences of orthodontic extrusion on previously intruded permanent incisors-A retrospective study.

AIM: The aim of this study is to compare the adverse effects that occur after orthodontic extrusion of teeth that have been traumatically intruded with those of similar teeth that have not experienced any trauma. BACKGROUND: The outcome of incisors intrusion can be affected by the patient's age, extent of injury, root development, and malocclusion. Orthodontic extrusion is a potential solution, but it may also cause complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of the effects of extrusion of traumatically intruded teeth was carried out. The study group included 21 teeth in 14 patients. The control group included 32 teeth in 10 patients that underwent orthodontic extrusion with no history of trauma. Patients' age, gender, and stage of root development were recorded. The severity of the intrusion was classified as mild (<3 mm), moderate (3-6 mm), and severe (≥7 mm). A comparison of signs of pulp necrosis and root resorptions between the groups was made. RESULTS: The central incisor is the tooth that is most injured in 80.9% of cases. A majority of these incidents involve severe intrusion, which was found in 42.9% of cases. 90% of the traumatized teeth had already lost their vitality prior to orthodontic treatment. Various forms of root resorption were observed in the study group. In the control group, 31.2% of teeth showed signs of external root resorption, but no endodontic intervention was carried out during the follow-up period, as these teeth remained vital. CONCLUSIONS: Following intrusion, there is a high risk for root resorption and pulp necrosis. Orthodontic repositioning should be carried out with caution and mild force to prevent complications. Long-term follow-ups are required to ensure the best possible outcome.

Evaluation of the efficacy of injectable platelet-rich fibrin versus platelet-rich plasma in the regeneration of traumatized necrotic immature maxillary anterior teeth: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aimed at comparing the regenerative potential of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) (Group 1) and platelet-rich plasma (Group 2) scaffolds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients, aged from 9 to 24 years, having 24 immature traumatized necrotic maxillary anterior teeth, were enrolled. Teeth trauma was confirmed by patients' history. Preoperative three-dimensional scans were done. In the first visit, canals were irrigated with 1.5% sodium hypochlorite then medicated with calcium hydroxide. After 2 weeks, patients were randomly assigned into one of the treatment groups (n = 12). The platelet concentrate was applied after centrifuging 10 mL of autologous venous blood with respect to the centrifugation protocol for each platelet concentrate. Patients were recalled at 6 and 12 months posttreatment, during which clinical and radiographic examinations and assessment of pulp sensitivity were done. Three-dimensional scanning was done after 12 months. The increase in root length and decrease in root canal diameters were calculated at three canal levels. Statistical analysis was done using the paired t-test and the independent t-test. The significance level was set at p < .05. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding the increase in root length, decrease in coronal and middle canal diameters and the response to the electric pulp tester. Group (1) showed significantly greater decrease in apical canal diameter than Group (2) (p = .008). CONCLUSION: I-PRF can be considered as a valid regenerative scaffold for clinical use and with regards to the easier preparation technique, it is more recommended than platelet-rich plasma.

Treatment outcomes of regenerative endodontic therapy in immature permanent teeth with pulpal necrosis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess which treatment modality regarding scaffold selection for immature permanent teeth with pulpal necrosis will be the most successful for regenerative endodontic treatment (RET). METHODOLOGY: PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science and Embase, and additional records until August 2022 were searched providing a total of 3021 articles, and nine of these articles were included for quantitative synthesis. The reviewers selected eligible randomized controlled trials and extracted pertinent data. Network meta-analysis was conducted to estimate treatment effects for primary outcomes (clinical and radiographic healing) and secondary outcomes (apical closure, root length and root wall thickness increase) following RET [mean difference (MD); 95% credible interval (CrI) and surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA)]. The quality of the included studies was appraised by the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool, and the quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Six interventions from nine included studies were identified: blood clot scaffold (BC), blood clot scaffold with basic fibroblast growth factor, blood clot scaffold with collagen, platelet pellet, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). The PRP scaffold showed the greatest increase in root lengthening at 6-12 months (MD = 4.2; 95% CrI, 1.2 to 6.8; SUCRA = 89.0%, very low confidence). PRP or PRF achieved the highest level of success for primary and secondary outcomes at 1-6 and 6-12 months. Blood clot scaffold (with collagen or combined with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)) achieved the highest level of success for secondary outcomes beyond 12 months follow-up. A very low to low quality of evidence suggests that both PRP and PRF exhibit the greatest success evaluating primary and secondary outcomes within 12 months postoperatively compared to the traditional blood clot scaffold protocol. CONCLUSION: Limited evidence suggests both PRP and PRF exhibit success in the short-term, not long-term. The value of this information stems in its recommendation for future randomized trials prioritizing both of these materials in their protocol.

Pulp Regenerative Therapy Using Autologous Dental Pulp Stem Cells in a Mature Tooth with Apical Periodontitis: A Case Report.

The utility and feasibility of pulp regenerative therapy with autologous dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in mature teeth with irreversible pulpitis were clinically demonstrated. On the other hand, there is no evidence of the utility of DPSCs in mature teeth with apical periodontitis. The aim of this case report was to describe the potential utility of regenerative cell therapy in mature teeth with apical periodontitis. A 44-year-old man was referred for pulp regeneration due to a periapical lesion in his maxillary first premolar. Root canal disinfection was performed by irrigation and intracanal medication by nanobubbles with levofloxacin and amphotericin B in addition to conventional irrigation. Autologous DPSCs isolated from an extracted third molar were transplanted into the root canal after residual bacteria and fungi were below the detection level by polymerase chain reaction assay using universal genes to amplify specific regions within bacterial 16S ribosomal DNA and fungal ribosomal DNA (ITS1), respectively. There were no adverse events or systemic toxicity assessed for clinical evaluations during the 79-week-follow-up period and laboratory evaluations after 4 weeks. The affected tooth was responsive to the electric pulp test. Cone-beam computed tomographic imaging revealed a reduced lesion size, remission of the periapical tissue, and mineralized tissue formation in the apical part of the canal after 79 weeks. The signal intensity on magnetic resonance imaging of the regenerated tissue in the affected tooth was comparable to that of the normal pulp in the adjacent teeth after 24 weeks. This case report demonstrated the potential use of DPSCs for pulp regenerative therapy in mature teeth with apical periodontitis.

Current Trends in Regenerative Endodontics: A Web-based Survey.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to ascertain the current trends in regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) among clinicians, including case selection criteria and clinical protocols. METHODS: An online questionnaire consisting of provider demographics, case selection criteria for REPs, and clinical protocols was made available to members of the American Association of Endodontists and members of the Endolit website. Data were analyzed using the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-two responses were analyzed (64.6% were men and 34.7% were women). Of those, 44.5% of respondents practiced in the United States, and 55.5% practiced outside of the Unites States. Most respondents (85.4%) reported performing REPs in their practice, and 92.2% were using sodium hypochlorite as one of their disinfecting irrigants. Calcium hydroxide was the most commonly used intracanal medicament (68.4%), and the majority of respondents use a blood clot alone as the scaffold (73.5%). Most (93%) of the providers reported using a bioceramic material for coronal capping. Practitioners outside the United States were found to be more likely to use adjunctive irrigation activation (P = .003). Younger practitioners preferred REPs over apexification (P = .01). Practitioners outside the United States were more likely to perform an REP in 1 visit (P = .006). Men were found to be more likely to always instrument the canal walls (P = .031). Women were found to be more likely to use manual irrigant activation, whereas men were more likely to use sonic activation (P = .043). CONCLUSIONS: There is significant heterogeneity within REPs regarding case selection and clinical protocol. Notable differences were observed from the reported findings of REPs from 5 years ago.

Cell-Based Regenerative Endodontics for the Treatment of Irreversible Pulpitis: AnIn VivoInvestigation.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to investigate the ability of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSC) to enhance the regeneration of pulp-dentin complex in immature permanent teeth with irreversible pulpitis. METHODS: A total of 32 mandibular premolar teeth with immature apices in 5 dogs were used in this in-vivo randomized controlled trial (RCT). Eight healthy teeth without pre-existing pathosis served as the positive control samples and received no treatment, while in another 8 teeth, the pulp was completely extirpated (negative control). Class V cavities were prepared to induce inflammation in the remaining 16 teeth (groups 3 and 4) and the pulp was extirpated 2-4 mm short of the radiographic apex. Of the 16, the 8 teeth in group 4 received 1 mL of cord blood stem cells with a hydrogel scaffold. Blood clots were covered with mineral trioxide aggregates at the cementoenamel junction in the experimental groups, and teeth were filled with RMGI and composite. Three months later, block sections were removed for histologic evaluations for the evaluation of postoperative apical closure, degree of inflammation, and presence of normal pulp tissue. The data were statistically analyzed with the chi-square test (P < .05). RESULTS: All teeth with complete pulp extirpation demonstrated pulpal necrosis with no postoperative closure of their apices, while apical closure was seen in all the teeth in the remaining groups. There was a statistically significant (P < .001) difference in the presence of inflammation and normal pulp tissue between the experimental groups. The teeth in group 3 showed normal pulp tissue extending to the level of MTA, but there was inflammation within the canal space. In contrast, the teeth in the UC-MSC group demonstrated organized, normal pulp tissue with no inflammation. CONCLUSION: Based on these results, the regeneration of the pulp-dentin complex is possible with no inflammation when UC-MSCs are used and 2-4 mm of the apical pulp remains intact in immature teeth with irreversible pulpitis.

The Incidence of Devitalization of Vital Teeth Associated with Pathologies of the Jaws Following Surgical Intervention: A Mixed-case Study.

AIM: The purpose of this mixed-case study is to explore the incidence of pulp necrosis of vital teeth after surgical treatment of adjacent lesions of the jaws. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of 341 biopsies submitted to the institute's histopathology laboratory were reviewed to include cases that met the inclusion criteria. About 84 biopsies collected from patients during surgical enucleation of lesions in proximity to healthy vital teeth were included of which 22 patients were recalled. Adjacent teeth were examined clinically and radiographically to assess their pulpal and periapical status after at least 8 months of follow-up. RESULTS: There were 7 different pathological lesions diagnosed histologically. The follow-up period ranged between 8 and 72 months; 12 cases (54.6%) have developed pulpal necrosis for at least one tooth after surgical enucleation of the lesion. The other 10 cases (45.4%) showed normal responses to sensibility testing for all the teeth adjacent to the lesion. Ten out of the 12 cases (83%) that underwent pulpal necrosis were associated with odontogenic cysts, whereas the remaining 2 were associated with periapical granuloma and fibrous dysplasia. CONCLUSION: Pulp necrosis is high in vital teeth associated with lesions without pulpal involvement. These teeth may benefit from root canal treatment prior to surgical enucleation of the lesion, which may prevent impaired healing or recurrence of infection. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Careful treatment planning and thorough discussion should take place between the surgeons, endodontists, and patients prior to executing the treatment. The patient should be aware that there is a possibility that they may need root canal treatment as a preventative measure to enhance the chances of healing following the surgical procedures and in case the patients opted not to perform root canal treatment beforehand, close follow-up in the future should take place to monitor the vitality of the teeth in the follow-up visits.