A segmental root development as an unusual healing response to the revitalization of mandibular second premolar

A 15-year-old patient reported persistent pain in the left mandibular second premolar (#35) following a traumatic bite 3 months ago. Clinical examination revealed a fractured central cusp suggestive of dens evaginatus. Intraoral periapical radiograph revealed an immature permanent tooth with a periapical radiolucency. A diagnosis of pulp necrosis with symptomatic apical periodontitis was made. The tooth was treated according to the revised guidelines of regenerative endodontic procedure by the American Association of Endodontics. The follow-up evaluation revealed a complete resolution of periapical pathology. A detached radiopaque tissue was appreciated at the 12-month follow-up. It resembled a broken root tip at the 24-month follow-up. Both the main root body and disjointed root tip developed independently. A cone-beam computed tomography evaluation at the 36-month follow-up confirmed the segmented development of the apical root tip.

Regenerative Endodontics – Looking Inward

Regenerative endodontics has become a revolutionizing tissue engineering concept in the treatment of immature permanent teeth for over two decades. It has been described as a ‘paradigm shift’ in the treatment of immature teeth, since it fosters continued root maturation. An immature necrotic permanent tooth is usually a result of trauma or infection due to which the tooth becomes non-vital before completing root development. In such cases, the root walls are left thin and weak with an open apex. Traditional apexification procedures may resolve pathology but have not been able to prove tooth survival due to absence of continued root development and risk of root fracture. A successful regenerative endodontic procedure (REP) results in resolution of signs and symptoms of pathology, radiographic signs of healing, proof of continued root development as well as presence of pulp vitality due to the regeneration of pulp tissue in the root canal. Various stem cells, growth factors, scaffolds and suitable environment form the tetrad of elements necessary to induce regeneration of dental pulp. While there has been some success in isolating dental pulp cells with in-vitroexperiments, it has been proven to be rather difficultto implement the same in a practical perspective ex vivo. Although there has been clinical success related to REP, histologically they seem to undergo guided endodontic repair rather than true regeneration of physiologic pulp tissue. This review provides an overview of components of tissue engineering, clinical protocol and predictable outcomes for REP and recent advances in regenerative dentistry.

Revascularización en un molar inferior, con un tercio de formación radicular / Revascularization in a lower molar with athird of root formation

Resumen La revascularización amplía, hoy en día, el panorama de cómo recuperar un diente que se encuentra con un tercio de su formación radicular, producto de un evento de necrosis pulpar. El procedimiento indicado por la literatura implica una serie de pasos como el uso de pasta tri o biantibiótica o del hidróxido de calcio, para lograr mayor éxito en la técnica. Sin embargo, hay excepciones a la regla. Se describe un caso clínico, el cual incluyó una revascularización no planeada y a la cual, como consecuencia de los materiales utilizados, el diente respondió de excelente manera. Se modificaron las técnicas descritas en la literatura y se logró la formación radicular, demostrada a nivel radiográfico, aún en presencia de una fuerte infección, la cual se drenó por tejido extraoral, manifestando el alto grado de concentración bacteriana en la zona afectada. Como resultado, una vez más se muestra el potencial de regeneración, diferenciación y capacidad de respuesta de las células madre. El caso clínico tiene una evolución de 8 años.

Abstract Nowadays, revascularization gives us a wider panoramic in saving a tooth from pulp necrosis. The procedure involves a series of steps, including the use of antibiotic paste to increase the chance of success. However, some exceptions may apply to the rule. A clinical case is described, which -as a consequence of the use of specific materials- was transformed into a revascularization case. The revascularization technique was modified and a radicular formation was accomplished, as shown in the main X ray, even with a severe infection which was drained by extraoral tissue, demonstrating a higher level presence of bacteria in the affected area. As a result, this clinical case showed the potential of pulp regeneration and most importantly, the potential of stem cells and its differentiation and response capacity. The case has an evolution of eight years.

BioRoot inlay: An innovative technique in teeth with wide open apex

This article reports an innovative technique in the treatment of a central incisor with a wide open apex and parallel dentinal walls. Root canal treatment was initiated, and calcium hydroxide intracanal medicament was placed in the canal for a month. The intracanal medicament was removed by instrumentation and irrigation with 3% sodium hypochlorite and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. A light body impression of the root canal space was made and replicated the three-dimensional root canal space in a putty impression. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) was condensed into the impression and allowed to set for 24 h in the presence of moisture to obtain a BioRoot inlay. This BioRoot inlay was cemented into the canal. Follow-up of every 6 months for 4 years revealed clinically asymptomatic and satisfactory healing of periapical lesion.

Retreatment of failed regenerative endodontic of orthodontically treated immature permanent maxillary central incisor: a case report

A revascularization procedure was shown to be the best alternative therapy for immature teeth with necrotic pulp and apical infection. A 12 year old female with a history of trauma to her upper central incisor and a sinus tract was referred for endodontic treatment. She was an active orthodontic patient and had undergone regenerative endodontic treatment for the past 2 years. Clinical examination revealed no response to sensibility, percussion, and palpation tests. The preoperative radiograph showed an open apex and apical rarefaction. The case was diagnosed as previously treated tooth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis. Regenerative endodontic retreatment was performed, and the case was followed for 3 years. Clinical, radiographic, and cone-beam computed tomography follow-up examination revealed an asymptomatic tooth, with evidence of periapical healing and root maturation.

Tapón apical con biocerámicos: tratamiento del ápice abierto en una cita

El trauma dental es una causa frecuente de necrosis pulpar en piezas anteriores, a edades tempranas, lo que detiene el desarrollo radicular y complica el manejo del caso. La apexificación con hidróxido de calcio ha sido el tratamiento de elección durante muchos años; sin embargo, requiere de muchas citas y se ha informado que su uso a largo plazo puede debilitar las paredes dentinales. Con el surgimiento de los materiales a base de biocerámicos, es posible realizar este tipo de tratamiento en una sola sesión y con resultados más predecibles. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este artículo es mostrar el manejo de la apexificación en una cita mediante la creación de un tapón apical con MTA y su seguimiento a 4 años.

Dental trauma is a frequent cause of pulp necrosis in anterior teeth, at an early age, which stops root development and complicates case management. Apexification with calcium hydroxide has been the treatment of choice for many years, however, it requires many appointments and it has been reported that its long-term use can weaken the dentinal walls. With the emergence of materials based on bioceramics, it is possible to perform this type of treatment in a single session and with more predictable results. Therefore, the objective of this article is to show the management of the apexification in an appointment by creating an apical plug with MTA and its follow up to 4 years.

Analysis of the rate of maturogenesis of a traumatized Cvek’s stage 3 anterior tooth treated with platelet‑rich fibrinas a regenerative tool using three‑dimensional cone‑beam computed tomography: An original case report.

Regenerative endodontic procedures are biologically based procedures which deal with the regeneration of pulp‑like tissue, more idealistically the pulp‑dentin complex. The regeneration of this pulp‑dentin complex in an infected necrotic tooth with an open apex is possible only when the canal is effectively disinfected. Though there are various procedures for treating open apex ranging from Ca(OH) 2 apexification, mineral trioxide aggregate apexification and surgical approach, regeneration of tissues has always taken superior hand over the repair of tissues. The mechanics behind the regenerative endodontic procedures is that despite the tooth being necrotic, some pulp tissue can survive apically which under favorable conditions proliferate to aid in the process of regeneration. In the past 2 decades, an increased understanding of the physiological roles of platelets in wound healing and after tissue injury has led to the idea of using platelets as therapeutic tools in the field regenerative endodontics. In the present case report with an open apex, high sterilization protocol is followed using triple antibiotic paste as intra‑canal medicament, followed which platelet rich fibrin is used as the regenerative material of choice. Over an 18‑month follow‑up period, clinically patient is asymptomatic and radiographically there is complete regression of the periapical lesion and initiation of the root end closure.

A review of the regenerative endodontic treatment procedure

Traditionally, apexification has been used to treat immature permanent teeth that have lost pulp vitality. This technique promotes the formation of an apical barrier to close the open apex so that the filling materials can be confined to the root canal. Because tissue regeneration cannot be achieved with apexification, a new technique called regenerative endodontic treatment was presented recently to treat immature permanent teeth. Regenerative endodontic treatment is a treatment procedure designed to replace damaged pulp tissue with viable tissue which restores the normal function of the pulp-dentin structure. After regenerative endodontic treatment, continued root development and hard tissue deposition on the dentinal wall can occur under ideal circumstances. However, it is difficult to predict the result of regenerative endodontic treatment. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to summarize multiple factors effects on the result of regenerative endodontic treatment in order to achieve more predictable results. In this study, we investigated the features of regenerative endodontic treatment in comparison with those of other pulp treatment procedures and analyzed the factors that have an effect on regenerative endodontic treatment.

One-step apexification using platelet rich fibrin matrix and mineral trioxide aggregate apical barrier.

The absence of a natural apical constriction in a nonvital young permanent tooth makes endodontic treatment a challenge. There is a need to induce or create an apical barrier against, which the obturating material can be condensed. Traditionally, calcium hydroxide is the material of choice to induce apexification. Due to certain drawbacks such as prolonged treatment duration and unpredictable apical barrier formation, it is being replaced by materials, which have a more predictable outcome like mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). One‑step apexification with MTA reduces the treatment time when compared with traditional calcium hydroxide apexification, which requires an average time of 12–19 months. In one‑step apexification using MTA, the technical problem encountered is controlling the overfill or underfill of MTA. The use of a matrix material helps to overcome this shortcoming. Platelet rich fibrin (PRF) is an immune platelet concentrate, which can be used as a matrix, it also promotes wound healing and repair. This case report presents a case of one step apexification using MTA as an apical barrier and autologous PRF as an internal matrix.

Healing of large periapical lesions following delivery of dental stem cells with an injectable scaffold: New method and three case reports.

Regenerative endodontics is the creation and delivery of tissues to replace diseased, missing, and traumatized pulp. A call for a paradigm shift and new protocol for the clinical management of these cases has been brought to attention. These regenerative endodontic techniques will possibly involve some combination of disinfection or debridement of infected root canal systems with apical enlargement to permit revascularization and use of stem cells, scaffolds, and growth factors. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been isolated from the pulp tissue of permanent teeth (dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs)) and deciduous teeth (stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth). Stem cells are characterized as multipotent cells for regeneration.These three case reports describe the treatment of necrotic or immature teeth with periradicular periodontitis, which was not treated with conventional apexification techniques. All cases presented here developed mature apices and bone healing after 3 to 4 months after the initial treatment without complications, and faster than traditional treatments. Our clinical observations support a shifting paradigm toward a biologic approach by providing a favorable environment for tissue regeneration. The mechanism of this continued development and formation of the root end and faster tissue healing is discussed.

In vitro evaluation of two methods of ultrasonic irrigation on marginal adaptation of MTA plugs in open apex teeth: A SEM analysis.

Context: Different factors can affect the marginal adaptation of MTA. Aims: The present study was designed to investigate the effect of two ultrasonic irrigation methods on the marginal adaptation of MTA plug in open apex teeth by scanning electron microscope. Settings and Design: Thirty single mature teeth were included in this in vitro experimental prospective study. Materials and Methods: A total of 5 mm thickness of MTA plug was inserted at the end of the canals and after 24 h an ultrasonic file was used to irrigate the canals and remove the MTA remnants. Teeth were randomly divided into three groups: In the first and second groups, the canals were irrigated for 1 min by 2.5% sodium hypochlorite as #25 ultrasonic file was in direct contact and 1 mm away from MTA plug, respectively. The third group was not irrigated and left as control. A total of 1 mm transverse sections were prepared through the coronal and the apical parts of MTA plug and specimens were prepared for SEM analysis. The extent of gap was measured linearly under SEM device. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis of the results was performed using the kruskal-Wallis test by SPSS software ver.18(a = 0.05). Results: There was no significant difference between groups regarding the marginal gap size in apical (P: 0.17) and coronal sections (P: 0.33). However, the mean marginal gap size was higher in apical section compared to coronal section. Conclusions: It can be concluded that ultrasonic irrigation dose not adversely affect the marginal adaptation of MTA plugs.

Apical Barrier Formation After Incomplete Orthograde MTA Apical Plug Placement in Teeth with Open Apex - Report of Two Cases

Two cases are reported in which incomplete placement of 4 mm mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) plug was performed unintentionally at the apical third of permanent immature teeth with open apex and apical periodontitis. As confirmed radiographically, there were gaps between MTA and dentinal walls along the MTA-dentin interface. After setting of MTA was confirmed, endodontic treatment was completed and access was sealed with composite resin. At 6 to 16 months follow-up examinations, formation of dentin in contact with the MTA surface, as well as apical closure and periapical healing were ideied radiographically for both cases. The results of these cases showed that apical barrier formation and complete periapical healing is possible despite the incomplete apical placement of the MTA plug. This might be due to the biological properties of the MTA. Even so, an incomplete three-dimensional placement of the filling material is not advocated.

Apexogenesis and revascularization treatment procedures for two traumatized immature permanent maxillary incisors: a case report

Traumatic injuries to an immature permanent tooth may result in cessation of dentin deposition and root maturation. Endodontic treatment is often complicated in premature tooth with an uncertain prognosis. This article describes successful treatment of two traumatized maxillary central incisors with complicated crown fracture three months after trauma. The radiographic examination showed immature roots in maxillary central incisors of a 9-year-old boy with a radiolucent lesion adjacent to the right central incisor. Apexogenesis was performed for the left central incisor and revascularization treatment was considered for the right one. In 18-month clinical and radiographic follow-up both teeth were asymptomatic, roots continued to develop, and periapical radiolucency of the right central incisor healed. Considering the root development of these contralateral teeth it can be concluded that revascularization is an appropriate treatment method in immature necrotic teeth.

Healing of a tooth with an overinstrumented apex, extensive transportation and periapical lesion using a 5 mm calcium hydroxide apical plug: an 8-year follow-up report

Besides the risk of filling material extrusion throughout the apex, a satisfactory apical seal can be difficult to achieve in canals with open apices or iatrogenic enlargements of the apical constriction. These situations pose a challenge to root canal filling. This paper describes the root canal filling of a maxillary right canine with an overinstrumented apex, complete loss of the apical stop, extensive canal transportation and apical periodontitis. A 5 mm calcium hydroxide apical plug was placed before root canal filling. The plug was made by soaking paper points with saline, dipping the points in calcium hydroxide powder and then applying it to the apex several times, until a consistent apical plug was obtained. The canal was then irrigated with saline in order to remove any residual calcium hydroxide from the root canal walls, dried with paper points and obturated with an inverted #80 gutta-percha cone and zinc oxide-eugenol based sealer by the lateral condensation technique. An 8-year radiographic follow-up showed formation of mineralized tissue sealing the apical foramen, apical remodeling and no signs of apical periodontitis.

Além do risco de extrusão periapical de material obturador pelo ápice, pode ser difícil conseguir um bom selamento apical em dentes com rizogênese incompleta ou alargamentos iatrogênicos da constrição apical. Casos assim representam um desafio durante a obturação do canal. Este caso clínico descreve a obturação de um canino superior direito com perda total da constrição apical por sobreinstrumentação, transporte excessivo e lesão periapical. Antes da obturação foi feito um tampão apical de hidróxido de cálcio com 5 mm de extensão. Para a realização do tampão, pontas de papel absorvente foram umedecidas em soro fisiológico, levadas ao pó do hidróxido de cálcio para absorvê-lo e aplicadas várias vezes no ápice até se conseguir um tampão apical consistente. Em seguida o canal foi irrigado com solução salina para a remoção de eventuais resíduos de hidróxido de cálcio das suas paredes, secado com pontas de papel absorvente e obturado com um cone #80 de guta percha invertido e cimento obturador à base de óxido de zinco e eugenol pela técnica da condensação lateral. O acompanhamento radiográfico de 8 anos mostrou selamento apical por tecido mineralizado, remodelação do ápice e reparo da lesão periapical.

Apexification with the use of calcium hydroxide.

After traumatic injuries the pulps of young permanent teeth often necrose. This occurs most commonly in the permanent maxillary incisors leaving the teeth with incomplete radicular development and open apices. In these cases treatment is aimed at promoting complete apical closure. At a later date a complete filling of the root canal is carried out in order to prevent inflammatory stimulators affecting the periapex. Apexification is a method of treatment intended to induce formation of a calcific barrier in an immaturely developed or pulpless tooth. The intent of apexification is to attain narrowing of the canal or closure of the apex. Apexification is indicated in young patients, for reasons such as trauma, fracture or caries involving the pulp require root canal treatment prior to the apex fully developing and closing.

An evaluation of the accuracy of Root ZX according to the conditions of major apical foramen

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of Root ZX (J. Morita Corp.) according to the location of major foramen and open apex. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 81 mandibular premolars with mature apices were selected. After access preparation, 27 teeth were instrumented to simulate open apices. 54 teeth were classified according to location of major foramen under surgical microscope (x16). The file was fixed at the location of apical constriction by Root ZX using glass ionomer cement. The apical 4 mm of the apex was exposed and photo was taken and the distance from file tip to the major foramen was measured by calibrating metal ruler on graph paper. The results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Scheffe test at p < 0.05 level. RESULTS: Mean distance from file tip to major foramen was 0.308 mm in Tip foramen group (I), 0.519 mm in Lateral foramen group (II) and 0.932 mm in open apex group (III). Root ZX located apical constriction accurately within +/- 0.5 mm in group I of 85.71%, in group II of 59.09%, and in group III of 33.33%. There was a statistically significant difference between group I and III (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Root ZX located apical constriction accurately regardless of location of major foramen. However, Root ZX couldn't find it in open apex. Clinicians have to use a combination of methods to determine an appropriate working length at open apex. It may be more successful than relying on just electronic apex locator.

Non-surgical management of a mutilated maxillary central incisor with open apex and large periapical lesion.

A 24-year-old female patient reported with a mutilated maxillary left central incisor. The coronal tooth structure remaining was very less, discolored, and brittle. She gave history of trauma about 15 years back when the tooth got fractured. An intraoral periapical radiograph revealed an open apex and a large periapical lesion. The case was managed successfully by conservative means using intracanal calcium hydroxide and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) apical barrier followed by a fiber post and a core. The final crown restored back esthetics and function. A 6-month follow-up demonstrated a clinically asymptomatic and adequately functional tooth, with radiological signs of healing.

Fracture Resistance and Failure Patterns of Open Apex Root Teeth with Different Posts after Endodontic Treatment / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of different posts on the fracture mechanics of endodontically-treated teeth with open apex.Forty-eight human maxillary anterior teeth were collected,and the root was transversely sectioned 12 mm under the cementoenamal junction (CEJ).These samples were then randomly divided into two groups,i.e.,minor diameter open apex root (group A) and major diameter open apex root (group B),with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) placed into the apical 4 mm in the root canals.Subsequently,both groups were respectively further divided into three subgroups as follows:fiber-post (subgroup 1),metal post (subgroup 2) and non-post (subgroup 3) group.Teeth were restored with a composite resin crown and tested by using a universal testing machine at the rate of 1 mm/min cross-head.Values of the maximum fracture resistance and failure patterns were recorded and compared among all subgroups.In addition,the changes of MTA properties were carefully examined via X-ray photography.Our results indicate that (1) In group A,the mean value of fracture resistance for teeth restored with fiber posts were statistically higher than that with either metal post or non-post; (2) In group B,there was no statistically significant difference in the mean value of fracture resistance among three subgroups; (3) No statistical significance in the mean value of fracture resistance was found between group A and group B; (4) The failure modes of most samples (58％) were irreparable; (5) MTA in two teeth developed cracks after loading tests.In conclusion,endodontically-treated teeth restored with fiber posts are more resistant to fracture than those restored with either metal posts or non-post,and most of the fracture modes are catastrophic in nature.

Single Visit Apexification With Mineral Trioxide Aggregate.

Mineral trioxide aggregate appears to be a promising alternative to calcium hydroxide apexification because of its high biocompatibility, superior sealing ability and reduced treatment time.. Two case reports where the patients presented with fractured upper anterior teeth. Radiographic evaluation revealed open apices with blunderbuss canals. Apical stop was created with mineral trioxide aggregate by apexification and the root canals were obturated with thermoplasticized guttapercha.

A Tactile Method For Canal Length Determination In Teeth With Open Apices- A Case Report.

The term ‘open apex’ is used to indicate the presence of an exceptionally wide root canal at the apex. Open apices occurs in immature teeth when root development ceases as a result of pulp necrosis. Trauma and caries are regarded as the main cause of open apices in immature anterior teeth. Successful root canal treatment occurs when overinstrumentation and overfilling are avoided and filling materials confined to the limits of the canal. Hence, accurate working length is essential for optimal healing. Open apices pose many difficulties to contemporary methods of canal length determination. A case report presents a consistent tactile method for working length determination in teeth with open apices.