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

Abstract

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.

Keywords: apexification; apexogenesis; endodontology; pulpotomy; regenerative endodontics; review.