Radiographic outcomes and prognostic factors in nonvital immature permanent teeth after apexification with modified...

To assess the radiographic outcomes and prognostic factors in nonvital immature permanent teeth after apexification with modified calcium hydroxide paste.

Clinical and radiographic data were collected from 115 necrotic immature permanent teeth (71 caused by trauma and 44 caused by dens evaginatus) treated with apexification using a modified calcium hydroxide. Postoperative root morphology and changes in radiographic root area (RRA) on periapical radiographs were determined and statistically evaluated. Regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the outcomes of apexification.

The average time for a calcified barrier formation was 10.66 ± 6.37 months. The root morphology after apexification with calcium hydroxide + iodoform paste was similar to that previously described after calcium hydroxide apexification. Compared with the trauma cases, the dens evaginatus cases revealed more type I (40.91% vs 16.9%) and less type II morphology (45.45% vs 67.61%). Although the changes in RRA were limited, the dens evaginatus cases showed greater increment of RRA than the trauma cases (4.12% ± 5.58% vs 0.70% ± 5.21%, P < 0.001). A significant association was found between the preoperative stage of root development and postoperative percentage change in RRA (P < 0.001).

Teeth caused by dens evaginatus had better outcomes after apexification than teeth caused by trauma. Early stages of root development were associated with superior radiographic outcomes.

Apexification provided reliable outcomes in the treatment of immature teeth with pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis, even though the root development is limited. Treatment decision should be made with comprehensive evaluation of prognostic factors.