Revascularization outcomes: a prospective analysis of 16 consecutive cases

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Regenerative Dentistry
• Dental Traumatology

Background:

• Limited evidence exists on the efficacy of regenerative procedures for root maturation in immature teeth.
• Existing reports often consist of case series or case reports with uncertain interpretations due to non-standardized imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively evaluate the preliminary outcomes of regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) in immature teeth with arrested root development.
• To assess root maturation, periapical lesion resolution, and apical closure at 18-month follow-up.

Main Methods:

• A prospective clinical study involving 16 immature teeth (3 premolars, 13 central incisors).
• Qualitative analysis of periapical radiolucency resolution and apical closure.
• Quantitative analysis using a geometrical imaging program to measure changes in root length and dentin wall thickness.

Main Results:

• 90.3% resolution of periapical radiolucencies was observed.
• Incomplete apical closure occurred in 47.2% of cases, with complete closure in 19.4%.
• Root length increased by up to 25.3%, and dentin thickness increased by up to 72.6%.

Conclusions:

• Regenerative endodontic procedures demonstrated variable patterns of root maturation at 18 months.
• Continued root maturation was observed in some cases at 36 months.
• Crown discoloration was a frequent complication, leading to unaesthetic outcomes in 10 of 16 cases.