Role of hermetic coronal seal on the long term success of apexification in immature permanent teeth induced by calcium hydroxide based regenerative materials- A pilot study

Abstract

: Calcium hydroxide with or without iodoform is commonly used for apexification in immature permanent teeth. Before permanent restoration, temporary restorative material is used for ensuring coronal seal at the tooth orifice. An ideal coronal sealing agent prevents micro-leakage and maintains aseptic root canal environment. : This study aims at assessing the role of coronal seal on the long term success of apexification in immature permanent teeth by calcium hydroxide.: 51 children between the age group of 8-10 years having open apex in permanent upper anterior(s) secondary to trauma were divided into three groups, each receiving calcium hydroxide based material for apexification. Children were evaluated clinically and radiographically and followed up for a period of nine months. Cavit was used as temporary restoration in all three groups. Cases with loss of coronal seal, failure in apexification and clinical flare ups were identified. The data were statistically analyzed by Z-test and Chi-square test.: Presence of good coronal seal was directly related with successful and uneventful apexification. Loss of coronal seal was mostly related with increased evidence of clinical flare up and failure in or delayed apexification. Both the results were found to be statistically significant.: Temporary restorative materials providing meticulous coronal seal is as important as the permanent restoration, for the long term success of apexification.