Outcome of Revascularization Procedure: A Retrospective Case Series

Introduction: The purpose of this retrospective case series was to investigate the outcome of the revascularization procedure in necrotic immature teeth. Methods: The residents and faculty members at the University of Pennsylvania endodontic department were invited to submit consecutive revascularization cases treated by them, irrespective of the outcome, during the time period of 2009 to 2012. Twenty-eight of 35 submitted necrotic immature teeth met the inclusion criteria. The treatment protocol included minimal instrumentation and irrigation with 3% sodium hypochlorite and 17% EDTA. Triple antibiotic paste was placed for a minimum of 21 days. After blood clot induction, either EndoSequence Bioceramic Putty (Brasseler, Savannah, GA) or mineral trioxide aggregate was placed below the cementoenamel junction, and composite was used as a final restoration. The follow-up period ranged from 7 to 72 months. The outcome was assessed as complete healing (the absence of clinical signs and symptoms, complete resolution of periradicular radiolucency, increase in the root dentin thickness/length, and apical closure), incomplete healing (the absence of clinical signs and symptoms, the periapical lesion completely healed without any signs of root maturation or thickening, the periapical lesion either reduced in size or unchanged with/without radiographic signs of increasing root dentin thickness/length, or apical closure), and failure (persistent clinical signs and symptoms and/or increased size of the periradicular lesion). Results: Twenty-one of 28 cases (75%) healed completely, 3 cases (10.7%) failed during the observation period and needed further treatment, and 4 cases (14%) presented with incomplete healing. Conclusions: Within the limitation of this study, the outcome of revascularization, wherein healing of periapical periodontitis and maturation of roots occurs, is fairly high, making it a viable treatment option in comparison with apexification.