Treatment outcomes of immature permanent necrotic evaginated teeth: A retrospective study comparing regenerative endodontic procedures with apexification

Background: Few studies have compared the outcomes of regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) and calcium hydroxide apexification focusing on necrotic teeth with dens evaginatus.

Aim: To qualitatively and quantitatively compare the treatment outcomes of REPs and calcium hydroxide apexification in teeth with dens evaginatus.

Design: Immature permanent necrotic evaginated teeth treated with REPs or calcium hydroxide apexification for a follow-up period of at least 12 months were included. Tooth success and survival rates were analyzed. Changes in radiographic root length, apical diameter, and radiographic root area (RRA) were quantified. Prognostic factors that might influence RRA were identified via multivariate linear regression analysis.

Results: A total of 112 teeth (50 REP cases and 62 apexification cases) with a median follow-up period of 26.5 months were included. Regenerative endodontic procedures and calcium hydroxide apexification exhibited similar satisfactory success and survival rates (p > .05). Additionally, 88 teeth were quantitatively analyzed. The REP group presented a significantly greater percentage increase in RRA and less decrease in apical diameter than the calcium hydroxide apexification group (p < .05). Teeth treated with REPs and with Stages 7 and 8 of root development showed a better gain in RRA (p < .05).

Conclusion: While REP and calcium hydroxide apexification had similar success and survival rates, teeth with REPs showed an increase in RRA, indicating that REP is the preferred choice.