Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Apical Plugs in Teeth with Open Apical Foramina: A Retrospective Analysis of Treatment Outcome

Introduction: Teeth with open apical foramina present a challenge during root canal treatment, and little is known about the clinical outcome of treatment in such teeth. This retrospective study assessed healing of teeth with open apices managed by the placement of mineral trioxide aggregate apical plugs. Methods: Seventy-two patients with 78 teeth with apical resorption or excessive apical enlargement, treated between 2000 and 2006, were contacted for follow-up examination 12 to 68 months after treatment (median 30.9 months). Treatments were provided by supervised undergraduate students (27%), general dentists (32%), or dentists who had focused on endodontics (41%). The outcome based on clinical and radiographic criteria was assessed by calibrated examiners and dichotomized as healed or disease. Results: Of 56 teeth examined (72% recall), 84% were healed. Teeth without or with preoperative periapical radiolucency had a healed rate of 100% and 78%, respectively. None of the variables analyzed had a significant effect on the outcome. Conclusion: The results supported the management of open apical foramina with mineral trioxide aggregate apical plugs. (J Endod 2009;35:1354-1358)