Calcium hydroxide induced apexification with apical root development: a clinical case report

Aim  To report the induction of apical root development by calcium hydroxide in teeth with pulp necrosis and periapical radiolucency.
Summary  A 10-year-old male patient was admitted to the clinic complaining of an intense pain and oedema on the anterior facial region, compatible with an acute dentoalveolar abscess. There was a previous history of dental trauma; only tooth 11 was negative to pulp sensitivity tests. Radiographically, tooth 11 exhibited incomplete root formation, characterized by a wide root canal, thin and fragile dentinal walls, and an extensive, divergent foraminal opening associated with an apical radiolucency. The first appointment focused on urgent local and systemic treatment. Apexification treatment commenced at the second session after 7 days, by means of chemo-mechanical debridement throughout the entire root canal, using K-files and irrigation with a 2.5% sodium hypochlorite solution. Subsequently, a calcium hydroxide paste was applied and changed four times over 8 months, when radiographic examination revealed complete closure of the foraminal opening, resulting in resolution of the periapical radiolucency and associated with 5 mm of additional root development. The root canal was filled by thermomechanical compaction of gutta-percha and sealer. A 3-year follow-up revealed normal periapical tissues and the absence of symptoms.
Key learning points • In young patients, dental trauma may cause pulp necrosis and arrest of root formation.
• Under certain circumstances, chemo-mechanical debridement, including the use of a calcium hydroxide paste, is a valid alternative to mineral trioxide aggregate and or surgery for root-end closure.
• In teeth with incompletely formed roots associated with periapical lesions, calcium hydroxide can induce periapical repair through the closure of the foramen and apical root development.     

Apexogenesis after initial root canal treatment of an immature maxillary incisor – a case report

Aim To present a case where a traumatized, immature tooth still showed capacity for continued root development and apexogenesis after root canal treatment was initiated based on an inaccurate pulpal diagnosis. Summary Traumatic dental injuries may result in endodontic complications. Treatment strategies for traumatized, immature teeth should aim at preserving pulp vitality to ensure further root development and tooth maturation. A 9‐year‐old boy, who had suffered a concussion injury to the maxillary anterior teeth, was referred after endodontic treatment was initiated in tooth 21 one week earlier. The tooth had incomplete root length, thin dentinal walls and a wide open apex. The pulp chamber had been accessed, and the pulp canal instrumented to size 100. According to the referral, bleeding from the root made it difficult to fill the root canal with calcium hydroxide. No radiographic signs of apical breakdown were recorded. Based on radiographic and clinical findings, a conservative treatment approach was followed to allow continued root development. Follow‐up with radiographic examination every 3rd month was performed for 15 months. Continued root formation with apical closure was recorded. In the cervical area, a hard tissue barrier developed, which was sealed with white mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Bonded composite was used to seal the access cavity. At the final 2 years follow‐up, the tooth showed further root development and was free from symptoms. Key learning points

• ? Endodontic treatment of immature teeth may result in a poor long‐term prognosis.
• ? The pulp of immature teeth has a significant repair potential as long as infection is prevented.
• ? Treatment strategies of traumatized, immature permanent teeth should aim at preserving pulp vitality to secure further root development and tooth maturation.
• ? Radiographic interpretation of the periapical area of immature teeth may be confused by the un‐mineralized radiolucent zone surrounding the dental papilla.

     

Different clinical outcomes following root fractures of adjacent incisors: a case report

AIM: To report different patterns of root fracture healing in adjacent maxillary central incisors with distinct post-treatment outcomes. SUMMARY: To describe the case of a 12-year-old girl who presented with an avulsed coronal fragment of tooth 11 and root fractures in the middle thirds of teeth 11 and 21. Four months after initial treatment, she was referred for specialized endodontic care. Tooth 11 presented no clinical or radiographic signs of pulp breakdown. However a sinus tract was found related to the middle root third of tooth 21, indicating pulp necrosis in the coronal fragment. The coronal fragment was root filled and periapical surgery was performed to remove the apical fragment. Twelve months after the clinical procedures and 16 months after trauma, hard tissue healing was evident in tooth 11 region. Bone healing was also satisfactory in the periapical region of tooth 21. *Even adjacent teeth may display different reaction patterns after trauma. *The prognosis of root fractures is variable and different clinical approach may be required to preserve teeth with fractured roots.     

Regenerative Endodontic Procedures for Traumatized Immature Permanent Teeth with Severe External Root Resorption and Root Perforation

External root resorption (ERR) is often a complication of traumatic injury to the teeth. Traditionally, external inflammatory root resorption is treated with calcium hydroxide. The outcome of ERR, especially replacement resorption, is unpredictable. The purpose of the present case report was to describe regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) for 1 replanted avulsed tooth with severe external root resorption and root perforation (tooth #9) and 1 extruded tooth (tooth #8). A 9-year-old girl was referred for the treatment of teeth #8 and #9 4 months after the initial trauma. Clinical examination showed that tooth #9 had a sinus tract present near the periapical area, was tender to percussion and palpation, and did not respond to pulp sensibility tests. Tooth #8 responded to pulp sensibility tests. Periapical radiographic and cone-beam computed tomographic examination showed that tooth #9 had a periapical radiolucent lesion and severe ERRs with a root perforation. Tooth #9 was diagnosed with a necrotic pulp and symptomatic apical periodontitis. Regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) were initiated. Tooth #8 became nonresponsive to pulp sensibility tests and developed a periapical lesion 12 months after REPs of tooth #9 and was also treated with REPs. The clinical symptoms and apical lesions resolved for both teeth after REPs. The severe ERRs were arrested, and root perforation was repaired for tooth #9. Teeth #8 and #9 underwent canal obliteration by hard tissue formation after REPs and were in function at 18 months and 30 months, respectively. REPs may be used to manage traumatized immature permanent teeth with a necrotic pulp and apical periodontitis associated with severe ERR and root perforation.     

Dental Pulp Regeneration Induced by Allogenic Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Transplantation in a Mature Tooth: A Case Report

IntroductionCellular therapy constitutes a new therapeutic alternative in regenerative endodontics. In this case report, we evaluated the capacity of allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to induce dental pulp and apical bone regeneration in a tooth previously endodontically treated.MethodsA healthy 55-year-old female patient consulting for swelling and a sinus tract associated with tooth #8 was referred for an endodontic evaluation. Previously, tooth #8 had undergone root canal treatment and apical resection and had no response to thermal or electric pulp testing. Radiographically, tooth #8 showed root canal treatment, a cut apex angle, and periapical radiolucency. The root canal was recleaned and shaped, and calcium hydroxide was used as an interappointment medication. Cryopreserved allogeneic bone marrow MSCs were thawed, expanded, incorporated into preclotted platelet-rich plasma, and implanted into the pulp cavity of tooth #8. The cervical part of the canal was sealed with bioceramic cement and a composite.ResultsAfter 14 months of MSC transplantation, tooth #8 showed sensitivity to cold and electric pulp tests. Radiographic and cone-beam computed tomographic imaging showed signs of increased periapical bone density, healing of the periapical lesion, and almost complete apical remodeling.ConclusionsThis case report shows periodontal bone formation, apex remodeling, and dental pulp regeneration induced by allogeneic MSC transplantation in a mature nonvital tooth. Allogeneic MSCs may constitute a first-line therapy in regenerative endodontics.     

Regenerative endodontics--biologically-based treatment for immature permanent teeth: a case report and review of the literature

Background: A paradigm shift in the treatment of immature, necrotic teeth has occurred with biologically‐based principles and regenerative endodontic protocols replacing traditional ‘apexification’ procedures. Preliminary research suggests that stem and progenitor cells from the pulp and/or periodontium contribute to continued root development when regenerative procedures are followed. Methods: A mandibular premolar tooth with a chronic periapical abscess was irrigated with sodium hypochlorite with minimal instrumentation and then dressed with tri‐antibiotic paste consisting of ciprofloxacin, metronidazole and amoxicillin. At a subsequent visit a blood clot was evoked in the canal by irritating periapical tissues and the canal sealed with mineral trioxide aggregate, glass ionomer cement and composite resin. Results: Resolution of apical periodontitis and the draining sinus, continued root maturation and apical closure occurred over an 18‐month period. The tooth became responsive to pulp sensibility testing. Conclusions: It is important that dentists recognize the potential of regenerative endodontics in the treatment of necrotic, immature teeth. Initial management should involve irrigation with sodium hypochlorite only. Intra‐canal medicaments, such as calcium hydroxide, are contraindicated as they inhibit further root growth. This report uses a variation of the tri‐antibiotic paste currently recommended for regenerative procedures that avoided the discolouration of the crown associated with current protocols. Regenerative endodontics with continued root growth may reduce the risk of fracture and premature tooth loss associated with traditional ‘apexification’ procedures where the root remains thin and weak.     

Continued root formation after replantation and root canal treatment in an avulsed immature permanent tooth: a case report

Abstract – This case report describes the continued root formation following replantation and conventional root canal therapy of a traumatically avulsed open‐apex tooth with suppurative apical periodontitis. A 7‐year‐old male patient had an avulsed upper left central incisor (tooth 21) replanted approximately 50 min after traumatic avulsion. A root canal procedure was initiated due to pulp necrosis and periapical abscess detected in the follow‐up period. After endodontic treatment with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) dressing, a normal root length developed including an apical segment beyond the hard tissue barrier. Regeneration of the root occurred without pathology or ankylosis at 1‐year of follow up.     

Long-term splinting of maxillary incisor with intra-alveolar root fracture

Abstract This case report describes the treatment of a maxillary right central incisor with an intra-alveolar horizontal root fracture in the coronal one-third of the root. Repositioning and immobilization of the coronal fragment were carried out. After 2 months the clinical examination revealed the pulp in the coronal fragment to be necrotic. Radiographically, a small periapical radiolucency was seen. Endodontic therapy was initiated and the pulp in the apical fragment proved to be necrotic as well. Instrumentation of the root canal through the fracture line and long-term calcium hydroxide treatment were carried out. One year later the radiograph indicated repair of the fracture with hard tissue. The tooth was then obturated with guttapercha and Grossman's sealer and restored with an acid–etch resin technique. At the 12-month follow-up examination the tooth was functionally and esthetically normal. Radiographically, the fracture line was not discernible and repair of the apical periodontitis had taken place.     

Revascularization of an immature permanent tooth with apical periodontitis and sinus tract

Abstract – A necrotic immature mandibular second premolar with periapical involvement in a 13-year-old patient was treated. Instead of the standard root canal treatment protocol and apexification, antimicrobial agents were used in the canal, after which the canal was left empty. Radiographic examination showed the start of apical closure 5 months after the completion of the antimicrobial protocol. Thickening of the canal wall and complete apical closure was confirmed 30 months after the treatment, indicating the revascularization potential of a young permanent tooth pulp into a bacteria-free root canal space.     

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根管闭锁（pulp canal obliteration,PCO）是牙外伤后常见的并发症之一,通常发生于青少年,多见于年轻恒牙。PCO的发生机制尚不明确,可能是外伤后受损的牙髓出现血管再生和（或）神经再生的结果,也可能是由于外伤本身或者复位固定外伤牙后牙髓血液流量的改变导致。对于牙外伤后出现PCO的患牙,一些学者认为根管治疗不仅可以避免出现根尖周炎症,而且有利于患牙的美容修复。大多数学者则认为可对患牙进行长期的随访观察,只有伴有PCO的外伤牙出现牙髓坏死或者发展为根尖周炎时才考虑根管治疗,而且根管治疗对PCO的患牙是一项挑战,在技术上是复杂的。总之,为了及时检测到PCO的发生,对外伤牙定期随访和密切观察是十分必要的。     

Periapical status, quality of root canal fillings and estimated endodontic treatment needs in an urban German population

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the periapical status and the quality of root canal fillings and to estimate the endodontic treatment needs in a German population. Clinical and radiographic data and the operative procedures performed were evaluated on 323 patients coming to a dental surgery in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1993. In 182 individuals at least one tooth exhibited a root canal filling, a necrotic pulp or an irreversible pulpitis. Out of the 7897 teeth examined, 215 (2.7%) had a root canal treatment (category A), 122 being nonendodontically treated (1.5%) did not respond to the sensitivity test (category B) and 53 (0.7%) were diagnosed as having irreversible inflamed pulp tissue (category C). The prevalence of teeth associated with radiographic signs of periapical pathosis was 61 % in the group of root canal filled teeth and 88% in the group of pulpless and non-endodontically treated teeth. Using the level and the density of the root canal filling as criteria for evaluating the technical standard, only 14% of the endodontic treatments of non-apicectomized teeth were qualified as adequate. The minimal endodontic treatment need is 2.3% related to all examined teeth when the root canal filled teeth with clinical symptoms of periapical periodontitis (category A) and those of categories B and C are included. The real endodontic treatment need is suggested to be larger when considering that the technical quality of the obturation is poor in most symptomless endodontically treated teeth associated with a periapical lesion. In the case of retreatment of these teeth, the endodontic treatment need would then be calculated at 3.7%.     

Is Pulp Regeneration Necessary for Root Maturation?

Introduction

True regeneration of the dental pulp-dentin complex in immature teeth with necrotic pulps has not been shown histologically. It is not known to what extent this true tissue regeneration is necessary to achieve clinically acceptable outcomes.

Methods

This case report describes the treatment of a patient with an immature maxillary right central incisor with a history of impact trauma and enamel-dentin crown fracture. A diagnosis of pulp necrosis with acute apical abscess was established. A regenerative endodontic protocol that used a paste containing Augmentin for 5 weeks as an intracanal medicament was used.

Results

Follow-ups at 9, 12, 17, and 31 months revealed complete osseous healing of the periapical lesion and formation of the root apex, but without increase in root length. Clinically, the tooth was functional, asymptomatic, and nonresponsive to pulp vitality tests. The crown discolored over time. On reentering the root canal, no tissues were observed under magnification inside the root canal space. The root canal treatment was completed with mineral trioxide aggregate obturation.

Conclusions

Augmentin might be an acceptable choice for root canal disinfection in regenerative endodontic procedures. The protocol for regenerative endodontic treatment is not predictable for pulp-dentin regeneration. Formation of the root apex is possible without pulp regeneration.     

A histobacteriological assessment of nonvital teeth after ultrasonic root canal instrumentation

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate and discuss the bactericidal effect of ultrasound when applied in the root canal of teeth with necrotic pulp and periapical lesions. Twenty newly extracted teeth were instrumented with an ultrasonic unit and K-files using 0.5% sodium hypochlorite as irrigating solution. Compacted debris and micro-organisms were frequently observed in the apical region and in dentinal tubules of the root canal wall. Overinstrumentation that sometimes occurred led to contamination of the periapical lesions with micro-organisms and debris from the root canal.     

Management of a non-vital central incisor tooth with three root canals

A macrodont permanent central incisor tooth with unusual root canal morphology became non-vital 18 months following trauma. Two root canals were initially identified and filled, but the patient continued to have symptoms and radiographic examination indicated apical periodontitis. Careful radiographic and clinical examination revealed a third root canal, which was subsequently treated, resulting in the resolution of symptoms and periapical healing.     

牙外伤后根管闭锁研究进展

根管闭锁（pulp canal obliteration, PCO）是牙外伤后常见的并发症之一,通常发生于青少年,多见于年轻恒牙。PCO的发生机制尚不明确,可能是外伤后受损的牙髓出现血管再生和（或）神经再生的结果,也可能是由于外伤本身或者复位固定外伤牙后牙髓血液流量的改变导致。对于牙外伤后出现PCO的患牙,一些学者认为根管治疗不仅可以避免出现根尖周炎症,而且有利于患牙的美容修复。大多数学者则认为可对患牙进行长期的随访观察,只有伴有PCO的外伤牙出现牙髓坏死或者发展为根尖周炎时才考虑根管治疗,而且根管治疗对PCO的患牙是一项挑战,在技术上是复杂的。总之,为了及时检测到PCO的发生,对外伤牙定期随访和密切观察是十分必要的。     

Endodontic treatment of dens invaginatus type III with three root canals and open apical foramen

AIM: To describe the conservative endodontic treatment and the 1-year follow-up of a permanent maxillary lateral incisor with dens invaginatus. SUMMARY: Frequently, the root canal treatment of invaginated teeth is challenging because of problems associated with gaining access to the root canals and with variations of canal morphology associated with this type of malformation. The present case describes the complex root canal treatment of dens invaginatus in a maxillary lateral incisor with three root canals (Oehler type III), incomplete apex formation, necrotic pulp and abscess formation. After gaining access to two root canals and the invagination with the help of a dental operating-microscope, the canals and the invagination were instrumented and calcium hydroxide dressing was applied for 6 months. Apexification and osseous bone repair were achieved, and the canals were filled with gutta-percha. A follow-up after 1 year showed that the tooth was free of any clinical symptoms and the periapical condition was normal. KEY LEARNING POINTS: The present case demonstrated that conservative root canal treatment can be performed successfully even in sever cases of dens invaginatus. The use of a dental operating microscope can help in the management of complicated cases of invaginated teeth through conventional root canal treatment.     

Nonsurgical endodontic management of a double tooth: a case report

AIM: To present a case with various morphological irregularities requiring root canal treatment and to discuss the problems and options for orthograde root canal treatment. SUMMARY: Root canal treatment of a double tooth presenting with an acute alveolar abscess is described. The anatomical variations of this tooth included double tooth, dental invagination, incomplete apical closure, three root canal systems and an internal lacuna. The tooth was treated nonsurgically with orthograde root canal treatment resulting in nearly complete radiographic apical repair after 4 years. Key learning points: *Double teeth occur infrequently and may be distinguished from fusion, gemination, concrescence and dental twinning. *Several malformations may be present in a single tooth. *Orthograde root canal treatment may be an adequate treatment option even in teeth with a complex internal anatomy.     

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?? Dental pulp revascularization is defined as biologically-based procedures designed to physiogically replace damaged tooth structures including dentin and root structures?? as well as cells of the pulp-dentin complex. Regenerative endodontics is one of the most exciting new developments in endodontics. It is a new treatment option for inflamed pulp in immature permanent teeth. After irrigation and disinfection of the root canal?? the periapical tissues are induced bleeding to fill the canal space to form blood clot. The tooth is then restored with a coronal seal of MTA. The immature tooth could attain continued root development similar to physiological root development after dental pulp revascularization treatment.      

年轻恒牙根尖独立发育的研究进展

年轻恒牙萌出后牙根继续发育,但是在牙根发育过程中,由于龋病、牙外伤、牙齿发育异常等可引起年轻恒牙牙髓感染或坏死,使牙根的发育受阻,导致根尖孔粗大、根管壁薄。年轻恒牙的根尖独立于主根管单独发育,是一种特殊的牙根发育类型。该文通过文献回顾,分析了根尖独立发育可能形成的原因,为临床医生在诊疗时提供一定的思路。     

年轻恒牙牙髓血管再生治疗

牙髓血管再生治疗是一种以生物学为基础、生理性取代受损牙齿结构（包括牙本质、牙根以及牙髓牙本质复合体）为目的的治疗技术,是牙髓病学最令人激动的新进展之一。牙髓血管再生治疗是年轻恒牙感染牙髓的治疗新选择,其是通过使用大量的药物冲洗根管并行根管封药控制炎症后,刺激根尖周组织引起出血,使血液进入根管中形成血凝块,然后使用矿物三氧化物凝聚体（MTA）封闭根管口。经过治疗的年轻恒牙能够获得与生理性发育相似的牙根发育。