Experimental apexigenesis in baboons

Apexification with calcium hydroxide is a routine procedure. However, some clinical reports suggest that root completion can occur by controlling the infection without use of a catalyst. The present study investigated the use of tetracycline treatment (in root canals) on root growth in immature teeth, rendered non-vital experimentally. Incisors in 3 young baboons were exposed and canals were left open. After 2 months all canals were cleaned and treated with either tetracycline or formocresol. Some canals in each group were filed. Animals were sacrificed after 6 months. Bacterial evaluations were done before placing medications, one week later and six months after that. The number of bacteria were reduced in all treatment groups. Root growth almost near completion was observed in more teeth treated with tetracycline than in the formocresol group.