Attainment of hermetic seal with decalcified allogenic bone matrix grafts--surgical vs. conservative approach

Twenty four non vital upper anterior teeth from twelve healthy patients, between the ages of 18-30 years, having definite radiolucent areas at the periapex, were taken for this study. A comparison was made between the surgical and conservative approach, using decalcified allogenic bone matrix (DABM) grafts to achieve a physiologic seal at the root apex. The period of observation were 60 days, 120 days and 180 days. The clinical and radiological finding of this study strongly support the observation that DABM accelerates osteogenesis and cementogenesis which seal the root apex through a physiological process. The process of healing was quicker when the surgical approach was used. However a longer period of observation and histological study is required before any conclusion can be drawn, as regard the choice of a surgical or conservative approach.