Regenerative Endodontic Treatment of Maxillary Incisors with a History of Severe Traumatic Injury

Regenerative Endodontic Procedures in Teeth with Root Resorption: A Systematic Review

The purpose of this systematic review was to critically evaluate the available clinical literature on the use of regenerative endodontic therapy (RET) for the treatment of root resorption. All case reports, case series and clinical studies documenting the management of root resorption in mature or immature permanent teeth using RET were included. Review articles, animal studies, and RET in teeth showing developmental anomalies were excluded. A literature search was conducted in electronic databases MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane, and Google Scholar from 2001 to January 2022. The JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist Quality was used to appraise the included case reports and case series. The Methodological item for non-randomised studies (MINORS) tool was used to appraise the clinical study critically. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the search resulted in 14 studies (12 case reports, 1 case series, and 1 clinical study) accounting for root resorption in 34 teeth from 29 patients treated with RET. Despite the wide variation in RET protocols, the arrest of root resorption and resolution of symptoms was seen in all teeth except one (failure after 27 months). The clinical study's cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging evalu- ation documented a significant volumetric decrease in resorptive and periapical lesions after RET. The clinical study was deemed as good quality using the MINORS scale. The JBI critical appraisal tool showed that the case series was of poor quality; 11 of the case reports were of good quality, while 1 case report was of fair quality. This systematic review revealed a low-to-moderate level of evidence for the use of RET in resorption cases. However, further well-designed, long-term clinical studies are required to recommend it as an alternative treatment option for root resorption management. Funding: None. The systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021274569). (EEJ-2022-11-136).

Expert consensus on regenerative endodontic procedures

Regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) is a biologic-based treatment modality for immature permanent teeth diagnosed with pulp necrosis. The ultimate objective of REPs is to regenerate the pulp-dentin complex, extend the tooth longevity and restore the normal function. Scientific evidence has demonstrated the efficacy of REPs in promotion of root development through case reports, case series, cohort studies, and randomized controlled studies. However, variations in clinical protocols for REPs exist due to the empirical nature of the original protocols and rapid advancements in the research field of regenerative endodontics. The heterogeneity in protocols may cause confusion among dental practitioners, thus guidelines and considerations of REPs should be explicated. This expert consensus mainly discusses the biological foundation, the available clinical protocols and current status of REPs in treating immature teeth with pulp necrosis, as well as the main complications of this treatment, aiming at refining the clinical management of REPs in accordance with the progress of basic researches and clinical studies, suggesting REPs may become a more consistently evidence-based option in dental treatment.

Regenerative endodontic therapy for external inflammatory lateral resorption following traumatic dental injuries: Evidence assessment of best practices

BACKGROUND

External inflammatory lateral resorption (EILR) following dental trauma is a severe complication that can lead to significant root loss and tooth extraction.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this project was to review current evidence in the literature on regenerative endodontic therapy (RET) for EILR following traumatic injuries and assess the best treatment practices.

METHODS

Publications appearing in PubMed, from January 1, 2001 to January 9, 2022 were studied. Inclusion criteria were: (a) Publications in English; (b) Publications on RET and EILR; (c) Teeth subjected to dental trauma; and (d) Presence of intracanal bleeding and blood clots. Exclusion criteria were: (a) Conference proceedings; (b) Lectures; (c) Abstracts; and (d) Letters to editor; (e) Non-English publications.

RESULTS

355 publications were analysed. Nine met all inclusion criteria. In 10 (58.8%) teeth, triple antibiotic paste was used for an average of 26 days. Double antibiotic paste was used in 3 (17.6%) teeth for an average of 14 days. In 3 (17.6%) cases, calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂ ) was used for 14 days and negative pressure irrigation was applied once on 1 (6%) tooth.

DISCUSSION

Using RET to treat EILR has some advantages compared to long term CA(OH)₂ dressing. RET requires shorter dressing time compared to CA(OH)₂ . This can significantly improve patient compliance. Additionally, in immature teeth, RET helps to arrest root resorption leading to continued root maturogenesis and revascularization. It is recommended that a meticulous follow-up should be conducted when RET is performed to assure early detection of treatment failure.

CONCLUSIONS

RET appears to be a good treatment modality producing biologic repair and improving prognosis in cases of EILR in post-traumatic tooth/pulp injuries. The key limitation of this study is that all publications included were either case reports or case series that usually tend to report successful outcome.