THE AIM OF THE STUDY

Was to compare the efficacy of Ca(OH)₂ apexification and regenerative endodontic procedure (REP) in immature teeth with pulp necrosis. The pilot study included 12 children aged 89 to 126 months having pulp necrosis in immature incisors. Dental trauma was the etiology for pulp necrosis in all cases and initial X-rays showed periapical translucency lesions (PTL). The patients were randomly divided in 2 groups with either Ca(OH)₂ apexification (group 1, n=6) or REP (group 2, n=6). The root length and the growth of root wall thickness, as well as root to crown ratio and dentinal wall to root canal space ratio was assessed radiologically in 6, 12 and 24 months. The root length increase was detected in 83% of all cases, but the pattern of root dentine growth in the groups was different. Dentin thickness in REP group was more prominent in the apical third and was observed in 100% of cases while in group 1 dentin thickness increased mainly in the coronal and middle third of the root, dentin thickness increased only in 33% of all cases in the apexification group. PTL were successfully eliminated in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Results and complications of both methods allow limiting indications for their usage. Ca(OH)₂ apexification is more reliable in cases of pulp necrosis in teeth with III and IV stages of root formation when an estimated time for apexification is 3 to 6 months, under condition of good patient cooperation and possibility for good marginal fit of the restoration. REP is indicated in cases with I, II and III stages of root formation, as well as initial root resorption signs regardless of root formation stage.