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. 2022 Jun;23(3):381-389.
doi: 10.1007/s40368-022-00692-z. Epub 2022 Feb 7.

Radiographic differences observed following apexification vs revascularization in necrotic immature molars and incisors: a follow-up study of 18 teeth

C Caleza-Jiménez  1 , D Ribas-Pérez  2 , M Biedma-Perea  2 , B Solano-Mendoza  2 , A Mendoza-Mendoza  2
Affiliations

Radiographic differences observed following apexification vs revascularization in necrotic immature molars and incisors: a follow-up study of 18 teeth

C Caleza-Jiménez et al. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent. 2022 Jun.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of apexification versus revascularization in the treatment of necrotic immature teeth and determine which strategy affords the greatest radiological success rate.

Methods: An analysis was made of 18 teeth subjected to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) apical plugging and regenerative endodontic treatment, assessing healing of the apical lesions and the changes in root dimensions.

Results: Significantly greater root growth was observed with revascularization in terms of the percentage change in length (12.75% at 6 months) and dentin thickness (34.57% at 6 months) (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the two treatments in terms of the apical healing scores after 6 months of follow-up (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Apexification with an MTA apical plug and pulp regeneration are reliable treatments for non-vital immature teeth. The radiographic outcomes are comparable between the immature teeth subjected to MTA apexification versus those subjected to revascularization. The results of the present study indicate a greater increase in root length and width with regenerative endodontic treatment.

Keywords: Immature teeth; Necrosis; Pulp treatment.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest in relation to the present study.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Periapical index (PAI) scores of apical periodontitis32 based on the reference radiographs
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Measurement of the differences in root length and dentin wall thickness from the radiographs
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Radiographic apical healing success with MTA apical plugging (a) and regenerative endodontic treatment (b)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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