Regenerative potential following revascularization of immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulps

To assess the regenerative potential of immature teeth with necrotic pulps following revascularization procedure in dogs.

Necrotic pulps and periapical pathosis were created by infecting 108 immature teeth, with 216 root canals in nine mongrel dogs. Teeth were divided into three equal groups according to the evaluation period. Each group was further subdivided into six subgroups according to the treatment protocol including MTA apical plug, revascularization protocol, revascularization enhanced with injectable scaffold, MTA over empty canal. All root canals were disinfected with a triple antibiotic paste prior to revascularization with the exception of control subgroups. After disinfection, the root length, thickness and apical diameter were measured from radiographs. Histological evaluation was used to assess the inflammatory reaction, soft and hard tissue formation.

In the absence of revascularization, the length and thickness of the root canals did not change over time. The injectable scaffold and growth factor was no more effective than a revascularization procedure to promote tooth development following root canal revascularization. The tissues formed in the root canals resembled periodontal tissues.

The revascularization procedure allowed the continued development of roots in teeth with necrotic pulps.