Intraradicular reinforcement of traumatized immature anterior teeth after MTA apexification.

This review article describes the methods and clinical recommendations for reinforcing traumatized anterior immature teeth with pulp necrosis treated with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) apexification. Traumatic injury can cause pulp necrosis and incomplete root formation in immature teeth. MTA apexification is the treatment of choice for necrotic immature teeth, particularly during the middle or late stages of root development. MTA apexification has a high success rate; however, failures due to cervical or root fractures occasionally occur. The risk of fracture is higher in immature teeth with thin root dentin, particularly those with external root resorption. Furthermore, the loading force from any parafunctional habit also increases fracture risk. Therefore, intra-radicular reinforcement may be necessary after MTA apexification. In vitro, intraradicular restoration with a resin composite/core build-up material or a prefabricated fiber post demonstrated better root reinforcement than root canal obturation materials (i.e., gutta-percha and sealer). However, the root-reinforcement effect of MTA orthograde filling in the entire root canal remains unclear. In vivo, the survival of fractured teeth with intraradicular restorations (resin composite/core build-up material or prefabricated fiber posts) is extremely high. Moreover, the survival of teeth with gutta-percha/sealer obturation or MTA orthograde filling and restoration with resin composite extending into the cervical third of the root canal approximately 1-2 mm below the cemento-enamel junction is acceptably high. Based on this evidence, the remaining tooth/root structure and loading force should be carefully examined when considering intra-radicular reinforcement of immature anterior teeth treated with MTA apexification.

Regenerative endodontic treatment and traumatic dental injuries.

Pulp necrosis is the most common complication following dental trauma and is often associated with apical periodontitis. The management of these teeth is challenging in terms of large root canals, open apices, thin dentinal walls, and short roots. Over decades the conventional treatment for these teeth was calcium hydroxide apexification, a time-consuming procedure despite high success rates. Subsequently after the introduction of mineral trioxide aggregate and hydraulic calcium silicate materials single visit apical plug procedures became increasingly practiced with comparable success rates to the conventional apexification. The search continued afterward for a clinical procedure that may stimulate further root development and apical closure to avoid the long-term complication of root fracture after apexification. Regenerative procedures using stem cells derived from the apical papilla and blood clots as scaffolds were then introduced for the management of immature teeth, with variable protocols and success rates. This review will cover the evidence available and current position of regenerative endodontic procedures in traumatized immature teeth with apical periodontitis, in terms of clinical protocols, outcome, and potential prognostic factors.

Outcomes of apexification in immature traumatised necrotic teeth and risk factors for premature tooth loss: A 20-year longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To evaluate the long-term survival of immature traumatized incisors with pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis after endodontic treatment with two apexification techniques (calcium hydroxide apexification and MTA-apical plug) and to identify major factors affecting the survival of these teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of 2400 children and adolescents were screened for presence of traumatic dental injuries to immature incisors where endodontic treatment with the two apexification techniques was performed during January 2003 and December 2022, compared to a control group of mature teeth treated with conventional endodontic techniques. The studied variables were age; sex; apexification technique, presence of luxation and hard tissue injuries; preoperative root development stage (RDS), preoperative and postoperative periapical index (PAI), the time-point for tooth loss, and overall survival time in years. Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to graphically present the survival functions and Cox proportional hazard model to calculate hazard ratios (HR, 95% CI). RESULTS: The median survival time was 10 years for calcium hydroxide apexification, 16.1 for MTA-apexification, for luxation injuries other than intrusions and avulsions 15.5 years, for intrusions 12.5 years and for avulsions 6.8 years. The variables with significant negative impact on tooth survival were calcium hydroxide apexification, avulsion and postoperative PAI 3-5. No significant relationships were found for the variables MTA apexification, concussion; subluxation; lateral luxation; extrusion, intrusion, hard tissue injuries, preoperative RDS and PAI scores and postoperative PAI 1-2. After adjustment, the risk for premature tooth loss was 13.5 times higher in calcium hydroxide apexification, approximately 2 to 4 times higher in PAI 3-5, and 5.6 times higher in avulsions. CONCLUSIONS: Calcium hydroxide apexification, avulsion, and postoperative PAI 3-5 were identified as prognostic variables with significant negative impact on the risk for premature tooth loss.

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.

Review of guidance for the selection of regenerative endodontics, apexogenesis, apexification, pulpotomy, and other endodontic treatments for immature permanent teeth.

This review guidance is a work in progress because the limitations of regenerative endodontics are still being discovered. The endodontic treatments for immature permanent teeth with a necrotic pulp can vary considerably among endodontic practitioners. Whereas, regenerative endodontic treatments are growing in popularity and are creating ever more complex treatment protocols, involving revascularization and/or autologous platelet-rich plasma and scaffolds to elicit host stem cell de novo tissue formation to reestablish the vitality of immature teeth for the purpose of continuing root maturation. Despite much evolving controversy about their potential benefits, risks, prognosis, and contraindications, this review is aimed to discuss how to ensure that regenerative endodontic treatments are successful, by strictly adhering to case selection criteria, and following precise steps to accomplish and monitor the success of the treatment. A review of the endodontic literature was performed, together with practical observations of the problems and outcomes of performing regenerative endodontic treatments. Traditionally, apexification has long been the treatment of choice provided to immature teeth with a necrotic pulp. Regenerative endodontics may be provided as an alternative to apexification, if the tooth and patient meet all the case selection criteria, and if there are no contraindications. Regenerative endodontics has the unique potential advantage of being able to continue the root development in immature permanent teeth, thereby potentially saving the teeth for the lifetime of the patient. Whereas, conventional endodontic root canal treatment, Cvek partial pulpotomy, apexogenesis, and apexification, should always be provided when these treatments are more likely to benefit the patient because they can be more successful than regenerative endodontics.

Treatment outcomes of immature permanent necrotic evaginated teeth: A retrospective study comparing regenerative endodontic procedures with apexification.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have compared the outcomes of regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) and calcium hydroxide apexification focusing on necrotic teeth with dens evaginatus. AIM: To qualitatively and quantitatively compare the treatment outcomes of REPs and calcium hydroxide apexification in teeth with dens evaginatus. DESIGN: Immature permanent necrotic evaginated teeth treated with REPs or calcium hydroxide apexification for a follow-up period of at least 12 months were included. Tooth success and survival rates were analyzed. Changes in radiographic root length, apical diameter, and radiographic root area (RRA) were quantified. Prognostic factors that might influence RRA were identified via multivariate linear regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 112 teeth (50 REP cases and 62 apexification cases) with a median follow-up period of 26.5 months were included. Regenerative endodontic procedures and calcium hydroxide apexification exhibited similar satisfactory success and survival rates (p > .05). Additionally, 88 teeth were quantitatively analyzed. The REP group presented a significantly greater percentage increase in RRA and less decrease in apical diameter than the calcium hydroxide apexification group (p < .05). Teeth treated with REPs and with Stages 7 and 8 of root development showed a better gain in RRA (p < .05). CONCLUSION: While REP and calcium hydroxide apexification had similar success and survival rates, teeth with REPs showed an increase in RRA, indicating that REP is the preferred choice.

Comparison of three different biomaterials used in in vitro molar apexification models.

OBJECTIVES: New biomaterials had some advantages such as mixing and easier application as compared to traditional MTA in single step apexification method. This study aimed to compare the three biomaterials used in the apexification treatment of immature molar teeth in terms of the time spent, the quality of the canal filling and the number of x-rays taken to complete the process. METHODS: The root canals of the extracted thirty molar teeth were shaped with rotary tools. To obtain the apexification model, ProTaper F3 was used retrograde. The teeth were randomly assigned into three groups based on the material used to seal the apex; Group 1: Pro Root MTA, Group 2: MTA Flow, Group 3: Biodentine. The amounts of the filling, the number of radiographs taken until treatment completion and the treatment duration were recorded. Then teeth were fixed for micro computed tomography imaging for quality evaluation of canal filling. RESULTS: Biodentine was superior to the other filling materials according to time. MTA Flow provided greater filling volume than the other filling materials in the rank comparison for the mesiobuccal canals. MTA Flow had greater filling volume than ProRoot MTA in the palatinal/distal canals(p = 0.039). Biodentine had greater filling volume more than MTA Flow in the mesiolingual/distobuccal canals (p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: MTA Flow was found as a suitable biomaterial according to the treatment time and quality of root canal fillings.

Apexification with a bioceramic reparative cement: a case report.

The aim of this case report is to describe the treatment of a maxillary right central incisor with pulpal necrosis and incomplete root formation. The 14-year-old patient had experienced trauma to both maxillary central incisors approximately 2 years earlier. Therapy consisted of apexification with a bioceramic reparative cement to form an apical plug. After the clinical and radiographic evaluations, the clinician opened the crown, performed the chemical-mechanical preparation, and placed calcium hydroxide-based medication. At the next appointment, 24 days later, the intracanal medication was removed through passive ultrasonic instrumentation; the canal was dried; and the bioceramic cement was inserted into the apical portion with the aid of a mineral trioxide aggregate holder. A sterile cotton ball, moistened with distilled water, was used to maneuver the material in the apical region, and a periapical radiograph was exposed to confirm the correct placement of the bioceramic reparative cement. The canal was filled with gutta percha cones and a bioceramic root canal sealer. All procedures were performed with the aid of microscopic magnification. Clinical and radiographic evaluations at the 18-month follow-up visit showed that the treated tooth was asymptomatic, suggesting that the bioceramic reparative cement is effective for apexification.

Radiographic outcomes and prognostic factors in nonvital immature permanent teeth after apexification with modified calcium hydroxide paste: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the radiographic outcomes and prognostic factors in nonvital immature permanent teeth after apexification with modified calcium hydroxide paste. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical and radiographic data were collected from 115 necrotic immature permanent teeth (71 caused by trauma and 44 caused by dens evaginatus) treated with apexification using a modified calcium hydroxide. Postoperative root morphology and changes in radiographic root area (RRA) on periapical radiographs were determined and statistically evaluated. Regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the outcomes of apexification. RESULTS: The average time for a calcified barrier formation was 10.66 ± 6.37 months. The root morphology after apexification with calcium hydroxide + iodoform paste was similar to that previously described after calcium hydroxide apexification. Compared with the trauma cases, the dens evaginatus cases revealed more type I (40.91% vs 16.9%) and less type II morphology (45.45% vs 67.61%). Although the changes in RRA were limited, the dens evaginatus cases showed greater increment of RRA than the trauma cases (4.12% ± 5.58% vs 0.70% ± 5.21%, P < 0.001). A significant association was found between the preoperative stage of root development and postoperative percentage change in RRA (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Teeth caused by dens evaginatus had better outcomes after apexification than teeth caused by trauma. Early stages of root development were associated with superior radiographic outcomes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Apexification provided reliable outcomes in the treatment of immature teeth with pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis, even though the root development is limited. Treatment decision should be made with comprehensive evaluation of prognostic factors.

Success of medicaments and techniques for pulpotomy of primary teeth: An overview of systematic reviews.

BACKGROUND: Pulpotomy is an effective, vital pulp therapy procedure for caries-affected or traumatized primary teeth. Though its efficacy is widely accepted, the superiority of medicaments and techniques remains debatable. AIM: The aims of this review were to compare the success rates of various pulpotomy medicaments or techniques, assess the methodological quality of reviews, and grade the level of evidence for each comparison. DESIGN: This review followed the principles of evidence-based medicine and recommendations for the overview of systematic reviews. An a priori protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42021244489). A comprehensive literature search was performed by two reviewers, and studies were selected from various databases according to predefined criteria. Two reviewers independently used a self-designed pilot-tested form to extract data from the selected studies. A quality analysis was performed using A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews-2 (AMSTAR-2) and the ROBIS tool. Reporting characteristics and overlap of the primary studies were also assessed. We used modified Köhler's criteria for evaluating the quality of evidence for outcomes of included systematic reviews and meta-analyses. RESULTS: The scrutiny of 62 full-text articles resulted in the inclusion of eight systematic reviews. The quality of four of the reviews was found to be critically low, and the overlap of primary studies in the meta-analyses was found to be high. Pulpotomy medicaments/techniques, except calcium hydroxide, had success rates of more than 80% for all domains and time periods. Most of the comparisons revealed no differences in the clinical, radiographic, or overall success rates. Mineral trioxide aggregate, however, was found to have better radiographic and overall success rates than calcium hydroxide at periods greater than 12 and 18 months. It also had a greater radiographic success rate than full-strength/1:5 diluted and full-strength formocresol at 24 months. Formocresol was found to have better overall success rates than calcium hydroxide at all time periods and better radiographic success rates at 12 months. Only 12 of the 63 comparisons had suggestive or weak evidence, whereas all others had either negligible evidence or insufficient data. CONCLUSIONS: The pulpotomy medicaments/techniques, except calcium hydroxide, showed success rates of more than 80%, whereas most comparisons revealed no differences. Mineral trioxide aggregate, however, was found to be better than calcium hydroxide and formocresol in several respects. This study highlights the lack of evidence regarding the choice of pulpotomy agents for the treatment of caries-affected primary teeth and elucidates the domains that require primary studies in the future.

Regenerative endodontic procedures for two traumatized mature anterior teeth with transverse root fractures.

BACKGROUND: Regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) are an alternative treatment in immature traumatized teeth with necrotic pulp/apical periodontitis. However, this procedure has been infrequently reported in multiple transverse root fractures of mature teeth. This case report describes management of a patient with multiple horizontal root fractures in 2 maxillary central incisors that were successfully treated with REPs. CASE PRESENTATION: A 17-year-old girl had a history of traumatic injury to mature teeth 11 and tooth 21 resulting in multiple transverse root fractures. Clinical examination showed that both teeth responded to electric and thermal pulp sensibility tests with prolonged severe pain and were tender to percussion and palpation. Periapical radiographic examination showed both teeth were fully developed and had multiple transverse fractures in the mid-root. The pulp diagnosis was consistent with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. REPs were initiated with only the coronal fragments treated to preserve pulp vitality in the apical fragment for potential pulp tissue regeneration. After REPs, clinical signs/symptoms subsided, and the two teeth were followed for 48 months when cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging was also undertaken. At the last review, the case demonstrated root fractures healing with calcified tissue and pulp calcification in the apical fragments. Both teeth were stable and in function. CONCLUSIONS: REPs have the potential to be used to treat traumatized and symptomatic mature permanent teeth that have sustained transverse root fractures.

[Application of cold flowable gutta-percha in root canal obturation after apexification].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effect of root canal obturation therapy using cold flowable gutta-percha on young permanent teeth after apexification. METHODS: Ninety cases of young permanent teeth with pulp necrosis or periapical periodontitis treated by apexification were randomly divided into two groups. The cases in each group were divided into single root canal and multiple root canal according to the number of the root canal, and divided into classifications Ⅰ, and Ⅱ/Ⅲ/Ⅳ according to Frank's classification of root development after apexification. Cold flowable gutta-percha and warm gutta-percha obturation techniques were used for root canal obturation of the two groups. The operation time was recorded, and the patients' therapy pain degree was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS) immediately after operation. Periapical X-ray was performed after operation to evaluate the effect of the root canal filling. The total length of the root was divided into equal three parts on the X-ray film, and three-dimensional tightness of the apical, middle, and coronal region of the root canals were statistically analyzed respectively. Clinical examinations and X-ray examination were performed 6 and 12 months after the operation to evaluate the treatment success rate. RESULTS: The operation time of cold flowable gutta-percha group was significantly lower than that of the control group, which were 51 s and 74 s (P < 0.05); The percentages of pain and discomfort in the two groups were 26.67% and 40.00%, respectively. There were two cases of underfilling and no overfilling in both groups. The percentages of proper filling and tight three-dimensional obturation in the experimental and control groups were 71.11% and 60.00% respectively; and the percentages of tight three-dimensional obturation in the apical third areas were 86.67% and 66.67%, the difference was significant (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the three-dimensional tightness between the two groups in the middle and coronal third areas. The percentages of tight three-dimensional obturation in classification Ⅰ groups were 86.67%, 83.33%, 93.33% and 76.67%, 90.00%, 96.67% in experimental and control group, respectively; The percentages of classification Ⅱ/Ⅲ/Ⅳ groups were 86.67%, 86.67%, 100.00% and 46.67%, 86.67%, 100.00%, respectively, and the difference was significant (P < 0.05). There were no apical lesions that occurred in either group during the one-year review period. CONCLUSION: The application of cold flowable gutta-percha on young permanent teeth root canal obturation after apexification can achieve good obturation effect. The root obturation effect in the apical third area is significantly better than that of warm gutta-percha obturation techniques. Cold flowable gutta-percha can shorten the clinical treatment time and ameliorate the patients' therapy comfort.

Presentation and non-surgical endodontic treatment of two patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia: a case report.

AIM: To describe two patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia presenting with spontaneous signs of pulpal necrosis in multiple intact teeth. The presentation and management are discussed, along with the diagnostic and endodontic treatment challenges. SUMMARY: Two young male patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia were referred to the Department of Restorative Dentistry at the Edinburgh Dental Institute, UK for management of dental infection. Both patients were referred due to their unusual clinical presentation and abnormal root canal morphology. They subsequently presented on multiple occasions with pain or sinus tracts over a 3- and 5-year period whilst under care. Clinical examination revealed intact teeth with buccal swellings, draining buccal sinuses and negative responses to pulp sensibility testing. Radiographic examination, generally consisting of periapical radiographs, revealed intact teeth with a range of unusual morphological features including large pulp chambers, wide canals, short roots and open apices, all with associated periapical radiolucencies. Due to the unusual morphology, some teeth required apexification with a mineral trioxide aggregate plug. Patient 1 underwent root canal treatment on teeth 21 and 43 over a 3-year period. Patient 2 underwent root canal treatment on 10 permanent teeth over a 5-year period. At follow-up, both patients were asymptomatic and clinically the teeth had no signs of infection or periapical inflammation. Radiographic examination confirmed complete resolution of the apical radiolucencies on 11 out of 12 teeth. Favourable outcomes have been demonstrated up to a follow-up of 4.5 years. KEY LEARNING POINTS: Patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia may present with 'spontaneous' signs of pulp necrosis in multiple teeth in the absence of caries and trauma posing a diagnostic challenge. Abnormal morphological features, including wide canals and open apices, may present challenges during root canal treatment. Outcomes demonstrate that an appropriate root canal treatment protocol, including the application of apexification procedures, may be implemented to successfully manage such cases.

Effect of revascularisation and apexification procedures on biomechanical behaviour of immature maxillary central incisor teeth: a three-dimensional finite element analysis study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the effects of revascularisation and apexification procedures on biomechanical behaviour of immature teeth using 3-dimensional finite element analysis (3D FEA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five 3D FEA permanent maxillary incisor models were developed from CBCT scans and available literature data: Model MT: Mature tooth, Model IT: Immature tooth (Cvek's stage 3), Model AT: Apexified tooth-mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) apexification, Model RTB: Revascularised tooth with blood, and Model RTS: Revascularised tooth with supplementary scaffold. Using FEA, a masticatory load of 240N at 120° was simulated, and the Von Mises and maximum principal stresses within the models were evaluated. Failure index (FI) and weakening% were also calculated for each model. RESULTS: On dentinal stress analysis, model MT (96.16MPa) and IT (158.38MPa) had lowest and highest stress values, respectively. Among the experimental groups, model RTS (131.12MPa) had lower stresses than AT (136.33MPa) and RTB (133.7MPa), with no significant difference among the three. Peak dentinal stresses in all the models were observed in the cervical third of the root and near the apical opening in model IT. The extent of high dentinal stress area in model RTB and RTS was lesser than that of AT. The FI and weakening% values were highest for model AT followed by RTB and RTS, among the experimental groups. However, all these treatments strengthened an immature tooth by more than 20%. CONCLUSIONS: AT, RTB, and RTS treatments lowered the stress values and risk of fracture in immature teeth with no significant difference among the three groups. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Stress distribution evaluation following revascularisation/apexification was essential, with potential to influence clinical decision-making. MTA apexification and revascularisation with blood clot/supplementary scaffold lowered the stresses in immature teeth, with no significant difference among the three.

Radiographic evaluation of immature traumatized incisors following different endodontic treatments.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Indirect pulp capping, pulpotomy, and apexification are three common endodontic treatments for immature traumatized incisors. They all affect tooth root development to some extent. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the influence of these treatments on root development of immature permanent incisors following dental trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one indirect pulp capping, 48 pulpotomy, and 58 apexification cases with a mean age of 8.4 ± 1.0 years and median follow up of 12 months were included. NIH ImageJ with TurboReg plug-in was used to correct angular differences between the pre-operative and recall periapical radiographs, and to calculate variations of root length, dentin wall thickness, and apical closure. Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA followed by pairwise comparisons was applied to compare the radiographic variations. The type of apical closure was assessed qualitatively and analyzed using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: The apexification group had a lower trend toward apical closure than the other two groups (P < .05). It also showed thinner dentin wall thickness compared with the pulpotomy group (P = .001). There was no significant difference between pulpotomy and indirect pulp capping in the trend to apical closure (P > .05) or dentin wall thickness (P = .775). There was no significant difference in the variation of root length among the three groups (P = .06). There was a moderate correlation between the treatment and the type of apical closure (Cramer's V Coefficient = .375). Pulpotomy tended to form a normal apical constriction rather than a calcific barrier while apexification showed the opposite inclination. Indirect pulp capping had no specific inclination toward any type of apical closure. CONCLUSIONS: Apexification resulted in an abnormal root development mostly by affecting the dentin wall thickness and apical closure. Pulpotomy was beneficial for normal root development of immature traumatized teeth.

Treatment of immature teeth with nonvital pulps in adults: a prospective comparative clinical study comparing MTA with Ca(OH)2.

AIM: To evaluate and compare the influence of various predictors on outcomes of apexification using either mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) or calcium hydroxide (CH) in permanent immature anterior teeth with necrotic pulps and periapical lesions of adults. METHODOLOGY: Ninety immature teeth with necrotic pulps and periapical lesions on adult patients (aged 18-40 years) were treated with MTA (45 teeth) or CH (45 teeth) between 2015 and 2018. Patients of both groups were recalled for follow-up examinations after the first intervention at 1,3,6 and 12 months for the first year, every 6 months for the second year and every year thereafter until the end of the study (median 32.3 months). The treatment outcome based on clinical and radiographic criteria was assessed by calibrated examiners and dichotomized as 'healed+healing' or 'not healed'. The age, gender, stage of root development, preoperative signs and symptoms of apical periodontitis and size of periapical lesion were recorded. The cumulative success proportion and mean time were analysed with the Kaplan-Meier test. The generalized logrank statistic was used to describe prognostic clinical variables. Fisher's exact test was applied for the evaluation of the healing rates. RESULTS: Thirty-nine of the 45 teeth treated with MTA were available for recall. Of these, 29 teeth (74%) revealed calcific apical barrier formation with complete resolution of periapical lesions, 7 teeth (18%) were healing, and 3 teeth (8%) had persistent disease. Thirty-four of the 45 teeth in the CH group were available for recall. Of these, 27 teeth (79%) had complete healing of periapical lesions and had calcific barrier formation, 4 teeth (12%) were healing, and the remaining 3 teeth (9%) had not healed. The survival rate of teeth treated with MTA was similar to the survival rates observed in teeth treated with CH (90% and 91%, respectively, P > 0.05). The generalized logrank statistic revealed that the cumulative success rate of both materials was not significantly different (P > 0.05). None of the tested predictors had an influence on the treatment outcomes of teeth in both groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Apexification with both MTA and CH was associated with similar treatment outcomes. MTA may be proposed as a material for apexification treatment in immature teeth of adult patients due to the shorter treatment time associated with its use.

Cell migration and osteo/odontogenesis stimulation of iRoot FS as a potential apical barrier material in apexification.

AIM: To investigate the in vitro biological effects of a nanoparticle bioceramic material, iRoot Fast Set root repair material (iRoot FS), on the proliferation, migration and osteo/odontogenic differentiation of human stem cells from the apical papilla (hSCAP), and to further explore the mechanism involved in osteo/odontogenic induction of iRoot FS. METHODOLOGY: hSCAP were isolated and characterized in vitro. iRoot FS conditioned medium were prepared and used to treat hSCAP, while using mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) conditioned medium as the positive control and regular medium as the negative control. MTT assay and BrdU labelling assay were performed to determine cell proliferation. Wound healing assay and transwell assay were conducted to evaluate cell migration. The osteo/odontogenic differentiation of hSCAP was evaluated by qPCR, Western blot and Alizarin red S staining. Wnt inhibitor was used for downregulating the expression level of ß-catenin of hSCAP. RESULTS: The cell proliferation of hSACP in the iRoot FS group was not significantly different compared with the control groups. The cell migration of hSCAP in the iRoot FS group was significantly increased than the MTA and negative control groups (P < 0.01). The expression levels of osteo/odontogenic markers and mineralization nodule formation of hSCAP in the iRoot FS group were significantly elevated (P < 0.01). Furthermore, iRoot FS enhanced the osteo/odontogenic differentiation of hSCAP by activating Wnt/ß-catenin signalling. CONCLUSIONS: iRoot FS promoted the cell migration of hSCAP and enhanced their oseto/odontogenesis potential via the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway without cytotoxicity. iRoot FS had satisfactory biological properties and has potential to be used as an apical barrier in apexification or as a coronal sealing material in regenerative endodontic treatment.

Effect of apexification on occlusal resistance of immature teeth.

BACKGROUND: Strain distribution was investigated to assess the occlusal resistance alterations in immature teeth under different occlusal force. METHODS: In vitro apexification models of teeth with a funnel-shaped immature apex were obturated with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA; ProRoot MTA) using different combinations of core materials (10/group): group 1, full-length orthograde obturation of MTA; group 2, a 5-mm MTA apical plug with a composite core; group 3, a 5-mm MTA apical plug and back-filling with warm gutta-percha. Teeth with calcium hydroxide (CH)-medicated canals and untreated teeth with normal apices were tested as controls. The teeth were arranged between two adjacent normal-apex teeth, embedded in a resin mold with a simulated periodontal ligament space. Strain data were recorded from the 3-unit teeth assembly under static compressive occlusal forces (50, 100, 200, and 300 N). Measurements were repeated 20 times for each condition, and the data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The immature teeth showed altered occlusal force resistance, placing increased strain on adjacent teeth. Teeth with CH-medicated canals showed significantly inferior occlusal resistance under all tested forces (P < 0.05). Application of an MTA plug with deep composite resin core resulted in significantly better stress-bearing capacity especially under forces of 50 and 300 N (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of occlusal force distribution in immature teeth differed according to the canal obturation materials used for apexification. Immature teeth with an MTA apical plug showed more favorable occlusal force resistance than those with CH-medicated canals.

Orthograde apical plug in a traumatized tooth with necrotic pulp and immature apex using calcium silicate cement: A case report.

This case report describes dental management of a 15- year-old boy, undergoing treatment for Thalassaemia Major and Acute Myeloid Leukaemia with bone marrow transplant and immuno-suppressants. During the course of his treatment the patient developed a swelling in anterior maxilla and therefore was referred by the primary physician for evaluation. This case report highlights the management of medically compromised patients in a tertiary care hospital in which apexification was carried out in a permanent immature tooth utilizing MTA as an immediate apical plug.

Novel application of a calcium silicate‒based cement and platelet-rich fibrin in complex endodontic cases: a case series.

Three-dimensional sealing of root canals is essential for long-term endodontic success. It is sometimes difficult to achieve a fluid-tight seal in cases such as furcation defects, resorption lesions, open apices, and root fractures. Such cases require restorative materials that not only are biocompatible and well accepted by the surrounding periodontium but also will set in the wet oral environment without losing their properties. This case series describes management of an open apex, a furcal perforation, and a horizontal root fracture with a bioactive calcium silicate‒based cement (Biodentine) as root repair material. To prevent extrusion of the cement, platelet-rich fibrin was used as an external matrix. The patients were followed for 2-3 years, and the teeth demonstrated remarkable healing.