Regenerative Endodontics Research Articles

Evaluating the effectiveness of a novel training model in dental preclinical regenerative endodontic education.

Regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) are tissue engineering-based treatments aimed at regenerating the pulp-dentin complex. However, these procedures are not widely practiced or well-known among dentists due to a lack of training. This study aims to develop a practical hands-on training model for REPs to enhance students' theoretical knowledge and practical skills. A cost-effective, easy-to-operate, and reusable training model for preclinical training of REPs was developed. A total of 125 undergraduates were divided into an experimental group (REPs model) and a control group (traditional teaching). The students' theoretical knowledge and operational skills were assessed through examinations and practical assessments. Student perceptions were assessed by questionnaires. The experimental group achieved higher scores in theoretical knowledge and operational skills compared to the control group (p < .001). The process evaluation of the experimental group demonstrated a high level of proficiency in executing root canal disinfection steps, with pass rates ranging from 93.5% to 95.2%. Students in both groups perceived the model as valuable for improving critical thinking, stimulating interest, and enhancing their confidence and proficiency. The developed REPs training model is a practical and effective tool for teaching and training regenerative endodontics. It bridges the gap between preclinical and clinical education, enhancing students' confidence and clinical competence.

Clinical efficacy of platelet-rich fibrin, injectable platelet-rich fibrin, and advanced platelet-rich fibrin in regenerative endodontics: A case series

Background: This series investigates the efficacy of regenerative endodontic therapy (RET) using various platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) formulations in treating apical periodontitis and necrotic pulp in immature permanent teeth. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of different PRF formulations in RET. Materials and Methods: Three cases involving patients aged 15–16 with immature teeth and necrotic pulp were treated with RET using PRF, injectable PRF, and advanced PRF. The procedure included inducing bleeding with a Hedstrom file, applying PRF variants, and sealing with mineral trioxide aggregate and composite resin. Patients were followed up at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months. Results: Radiographic evidence showed apical closure, root maturation, and healing of periapical tissues in all cases. However, pulp sensibility tests were negative. Conclusion: RET using PRF variants promotes root development and apical healing in immature teeth. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to understand these therapies’ potential and limitations.

Preparation and characterization of bovine dental pulp-derived extracellular matrix hydrogel for regenerative endodontic applications: an in vitro study

BackgroundThe use of biological scaffolds in regenerative endodontics has gained much attention in recent years. The search for a new biomimetic scaffold that contains tissue-specific cell homing factors could lead to more predictable tissue regeneration. The aim of this study was to prepare and characterize decellularized bovine dental pulp-derived extracellular matrix (P-ECM) hydrogels for regenerative endodontic applications.MethodsFreshly extracted bovine molar teeth were collected. Bovine dental pulp tissues were harvested, and stored at -40º C. For decellularization, a 5-day protocol was implemented incorporating trypsin/EDTA, deionized water and DNase treatment. Decellularization was evaluated by DNA quantification and histological examination to assess collagen and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) content. This was followed by the preparation of P-ECM hydrogel alone or combined with hyaluronic acid gel (P-ECM + HA). The fabricated scaffolds were then characterized using protein quantification, hydrogel topology and porosity, biodegradability, and growth factor content using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): transforming growth factor beta-1(TGF-β1), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).ResultsDecellularization was histologically confirmed, and DNA content was below (50 ng/mg tissue). P-ECM hydrogel was prepared with a final ECM concentration of 3.00 mg/ml while P-ECM + HA hydrogel was prepared with a final ECM concentration of 1.5 mg/ml. Total protein content in P-ECM hydrogel was found to be (439.0 ± 123.4 µg/µl). P-ECM + HA showed sustained protein release while the P-ECM group showed gradual decreasing release. Degradation was higher in P-ECM + HA which had a significantly larger fiber diameter, while P-ECM had a larger pore area percentage. ELISA confirmed the retention and release of growth factors where P-ECM hydrogel had higher BMP-2 release, while P-ECM + HA had higher release of TGF-β1, bFGF, and VEGF.ConclusionsBoth P-ECM and P-ECM + HA retained their bioactive properties demonstrating a potential role as functionalized scaffolds for regenerative endodontic procedures.

Successful Regenerative Endodontic Therapy of a Dens Evaginatus Mandibular Second Premolar with an Acute Apical Abscess and Extensive Periapical Bone Loss: A Case Report.

Regenerative endodontics is a rapidly growing field within dentistry that aims to replace damaged tooth structures and cells of the pulp-dentin complex. This case report presents the successful management of an immature permanent second mandibular premolar with an acute apical abscess and extensive apical bone loss caused by a dens evaginatus. This tooth was unexpectedly treated with long-term calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) that was replenished several times over 6 months. During the treatment process, this tooth became reinflamed developing a chronic apical abscess after resolution of the initial acute apical abscess, which resulted in the replacement and prolonged use of Ca(OH)2. The final regenerative procedures were completed using a bioceramic fast set putty placed directly over the blood clot and an occlusal composite restoration. At the 6-month follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic with a fully healed radiographic lesion, new periodontal ligament, and the apex closed with thickening of the mesial and distal aspects of the root. At the 15-month follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic with continued evidence of radiographic development of the apical aspect of this tooth, displaying root end closure and thickening. This is a unique case report of the management of a complex infection process in an immature tooth with regenerative techniques with repeated and long-term use of Ca(OH)2. This novel report provides dental practitioners with a new potential protocol for the management of these immature cases with advanced periapical infections that require extensive disinfection to have successful outcomes.

The Therapeutic Use of Dental Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Human Clinical Trials

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), characterized by their undifferentiated and multipotent nature, can be derived from various sources, including bone marrow, adipose, and dental tissues. Among these, dental MSCs (DSCs) exhibit universal MSC characteristics and are attracting considerable attention for regenerating oral and craniofacial tissues. This review provides a contemporary overview of recently published clinical studies using DSCs for various orodental and maxillofacial regenerative applications, including bone, periodontal, and endodontic regeneration. It also explores the utilization of DSCs in treating systemic conditions, exemplified by their application in managing conditions such as COVID-19 and osteoarthritis. The available evidence underscores the potential of DSCs and their secretome as efficacious tools in regenerative medicine for both dental and nondental clinical applications, supporting the continued promise of stem cell–based therapies. It is nevertheless evident that there are a number of important challenges that restrict the widespread utilization of DSCs, namely, difficulty in standardizing autologous preparations, insufficient cell surface marker characterization, high production costs, and regulatory compliance requirements. Further, the unique requirements of dental applications, especially complex structures such as the periodontium, where temporospatial control over the healing process is required, necessitate the combination of stem cells with appropriate scaffolds according to the principles of tissue engineering. There is currently insufficient evidence to support the clinical translation of DSCs into clinical practice, and phase 3 clinical trials with standardized protocols for cell sourcing, propagation, dosing, and delivery are required to move the field forward. In summary, this review provides a contemporary overview of the evolving landscape of stem cell therapy, offering insights into the latest developments and trends as well as the challenges that need to be addressed for the widespread application of DSC-based cell therapies.

Antibacterial effects of different low-level doses of double antibiotic paste on multispecies biofilms in regenerative endodontics: A confocal laser microscopy study

Antibacterial effects of different low-level doses of double antibiotic paste on multispecies biofilms in regenerative endodontics: A confocal laser microscopy study

Decellularized dental pulp as a scaffold for regenerative endodontics

Decellularized dental pulp as a scaffold for regenerative endodontics

Resistance to fracture of simulated immature teeth treated with intracanal medicaments and calcium silicate-based coronal barrier materials in endodontic regeneration

Resistance to fracture of simulated immature teeth treated with intracanal medicaments and calcium silicate-based coronal barrier materials in endodontic regeneration

Biocompatibility and antimicrobial effect of demineralised dentin matrix hydrogel for dental pulp preservation.

Regeneration of dentin and preserving pulp vitality are essential targets for vital pulp therapy. Our study aimed to evaluate a novel biomimetic pulp capping agent with increased dentin regenerative activities. To produce demineralised dentin matrix (DDM) particles, human extracted teeth were ground and treated with ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid solution. DDM particles were added to sodium alginate and this combination was dripped into a 5% calcium chloride to obtain DDM hydrogel (DDMH). The eluants of both DDMH and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) were tested using an MTT assay to detect their cytotoxic effect on dental pulp stem cells (DPSC). Collagen-I (COL-I) gene expression was analysed on DPSC exposed to different dilutions of pulp capping material eluants by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Acridine orange staining was used to monitor the cell growth over the tested materials. Agar diffusion assay was utilised to test the antibacterial effect of DDMH and MTA compared to controls. MTT assay revealed that neat eluates of DDMH promoted DPSC viability. However, neat eluates of MTA were cytotoxic on DPSC after 72h of culture. Moreover, DPSC were capable of growth and attached to the surface of DDMH, while they showed a marked reduction in their number when cultured on the MTA surface for one week, as shown by the acridine orange stain. In DPSC cultured with DDMH eluates, the COL-I gene was overexpressed compared to those cultured with MTA eluants. DDMH had significant antimicrobial activity in comparison to MTA after 24h incubation. This in vitro study showed that DDMH could be an alternative pulp capping agent for regenerative endodontics.

Effect of platelet-rich fibrin and concentrated growth factor on the regenerative potential of human-induced pluripotent stem cells: A comparative analysis.

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has been used, while concentrated growth factor (CGF) has recently evolved as a bioscaffold in regenerative endodontics. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of PRF and CGF on the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). CGF and PRF were fabricated from voluntarily donated human blood, and a conditioned medium was prepared. HiPSCs were isolated and cultivated on a conditioned medium for 12 days. The proliferation rate was analyzed using a trypan blue assay on days 9, 10, and 11. The migratory rate was evaluated using a wound healing assay after 24, 48, and 72 h. For assessing the differentiation of hiPSCs, various markers with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions on day 12 were used. Mesenchymal phenotypic transition was seen with an increase in proliferation rate in the PRF group more than in the CGF group on day 9, along with the differentiation of cells with an increase in osteoblastic markers on day 12 in both groups. The migratory capacity of cells was significantly increased in the CGF and PRF groups, with a greater increase in the CGF group. CGF and PRF extend the duration of growth factor activity and enhance cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation, with hiPSCs serving as a bioscaffold with high regenerative potential.

Arrest and Repair of Inflammatory Root Resorption After an Endodontic Regeneration Procedure – A Hypothesis and Case Report

IntroductionExternal inflammatory root resorption (EIRR) is a significant complication that can occur following traumatic dental injuries, with a prevalence of approximately 18%. Most cases occur during the early stage of the mixed dentition. Specifically, EIRR occurs in approximately 5%–8% of luxation injuries, 30% of replanted teeth following avulsion, and 38% of intruded teeth. Conventional methods for addressing EIRR in immature teeth pose several challenges. This often requires numerous dental visits where Ledermix and calcium hydroxide are used, which may significantly prolong the treatment. Additionally, the effect of prolonged use of calcium hydroxide medication in the root canal is debatable. Recent publications have highlighted the ability of regenerative endodontic treatment (RET) to effectively stop and repair EIRR in a relatively brief time, yielding impressive results. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism responsible for this effect remains unclear. MethodsA hypothesis is proposed and drawn from existing data, explaining the mechanism by which RET triggers alterations in the root dimensions of necrotic immature teeth, facilitating continuous root maturation. The hypothesis suggests that bioactive molecules, including growth factors, might be able to penetrate the denuded dentin, reach the resorbed area, and attract stem cells from the surrounding periodontal ligament and adjacent bone, leading to the arrest of the resorption process. ResultsThis recruitment may trigger repair mechanisms, ultimately resulting in the coverage of the denuded dentin with a new layer of periodontal ligament, cementoid, and cementum. ConclusionsA hypothesis of the potential mechanism in which RET may arrest EIRR is presented along with a case report.

Comprehensive Review on Effectiveness of Single and Multiple Visit Regenerative Endodontics and Comparative Evaluation of Patient Reported Outcomes in Single Visit and Multiple Visit Regenerative Endodontics in Permanent Teeth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review aimed to investigate the efficacy of single visit and multiple visit regenerative endodontics and compare the patient based clinical outcome of permanent teeth treated with single visit &amp; multiple visit regenerative endodontic therapy. The protocol was registered with Prospero registration code CRD42024505225. A comprehensive search strategy was performed in different databases—PubMed, CENTRAL, ScienceDirect, CINAHL, ERIC and PsycINFO using searching keywords and was limited to studies published till January 2024 in English. The Inclusion criteria for the study were randomized clinical trial, prospective clinical studies, case Reports and case Series. The search found 20 eligible articles, which were included in the study. Risk of bias of clinical studies was conducted using ROBINS-I tool and JBL tool was used for quality assessment of case reports and case series included. The conclusions of our study concluded that in terms of clinical outcome both the approaches presented success of treatment with odds were greater with multiple visits as compared to single visit REP but statistically there was no difference between both the group. Radiographically outcome - In terms of root width diameter post treatment, single visit REPs were more successful as compared to multiple visits but statistical difference was not present. However, further research and emphasis should be given on undertaking more clinical trials regeneration in endodontics to provide proper results.

Antimicrobial Silk Fibroin Methacrylated Scaffolds for Regenerative Endodontics

IntroductionRecognizing the necessity of novel disinfection strategies for improved bacterial control to ultimately favor tissue regeneration, this study developed and characterized antibiotics-laden silk fibroin methacrylated (SilkMA) scaffolds for regenerative endodontics. MethodsSilkMA-based solutions (10% w/v) containing Clindamycin (CLI) or Tinidazole (TIN) (0 – control; 5, 10, or 15% w/w) or the combination of both drugs (BiMix CLI/TIN 10%) were electrospun and photocrosslinked. Morphology and composition were assessed using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Additionally, swelling and degradation profiles were also determined. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in stem cells from apical papilla. Antibacterial efficacy was tested using direct and indirect contact assays against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans/Aa, Actinomyces naeslundii/An, Enterococcus faecalis/Ef, and Fusobacterium nucleatum/Fn. E. faecalis biofilm inhibition on dentin discs was specifically evaluated for BiMix-laden scaffolds. Data were statistically analyzed with a significance level of 5%. ResultsScanning electron microscopy revealed that all scaffolds had similar characteristics, including fiber morphology and bead absence. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed the incorporation of CLI and TIN into the fibers and in BiMix scaffolds. Antibiotic-laden scaffolds exhibited lower swelling capacity than the control and were degraded entirely after 45 days. Scaffolds laden with CLI, TIN, or BiMix throughout all time points did not reduce stem cells from apical papilla's viability. CLI-laden scaffolds inhibited the growth of Aa, An, and Ef, while TIN-laden scaffolds inhibited Fn growth. BiMix-laden scaffolds significantly inhibited Aa, An, Ef, and Fn in direct contact, and their aliquots inhibited An and Fn through indirect contact, with additional biofilm inhibition against Ef. ConclusionsBiMix-laden SilkMA scaffolds are cytocompatible and exhibit antimicrobial effects against endodontic pathogens, indicating their therapeutic potential as a drug delivery system for regenerative endodontics.

Unlocking the Power of Amniotic Membrane in Endodontic Care: A Review Article

Amniotic membrane (AM) has garnered significant interest in endodontics for its regenerative properties. This membrane, sourced from the placenta, offers a unique combination of anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and wound healing properties. In endodontics, AM has shown promise in regenerating damaged periapical tissues, promoting revascularization, and enhancing the success of root canal treatments. It serves as a scaffold for tissue repair and modulates the inflammatory response, aiding in faster healing and reducing post-operative complications. This abstract highlights the potential of AM in revolutionizing endodontic procedures by providing a natural, biocompatible, and effective means for tissue regeneration and repair. Keywords ­ Amniotic membrane, Regenerative Endodontics, Scaffolds, Root End Surgery

A review of tissue engineering in regenerative endodontic treatment

Background: Regenerative endodontic treatments are classified based on approach in the procedures and principles. One is cell-free approach that involves a revitalization procedure to achieve continued root growth while the other is cell-based approach which involves pulp/dentin regeneration through isolation and ex vivo expansion of stem cells seeded in the scaffold and then transplanted into the canal space. Technically, the cell-free approach is simpler than cell-based approach because the former does not concern about external stem cell isolation and culture. Currently, the gold standard and the one that has been clinically performed is cell-free approach. Cell-based approach is still not a standard because currently the cell-based approach is still in the clinical trial stage. Purpose: to evaluate the biological basis and clinical protocols recently used in regenerative endodontic treatment and discuss potentially future treatment approaches. Review: The literature review was searched in PUBMED with the keywords: immature permanent teeth, pulp revascularization, stem cells and regenerative endodontics. The regenerative endodontic treatments with various procedures and techniques result in a significant increase in root length and dentinal wall thickness. Stimulation of stem cells in apical root canal system is required to induce tissue formation and continued root maturation. Conclusion: The success of regenerative endodontic therapy relies on the development of a technique that enables clinicians to create functional pulp tissue within cleaned and shaped root canal systems. It is hoped that further research studies are required to define advantages and limitations of cell-free and cell-based approach.

Top 100 most‐cited scientific articles in regenerative endodontics 2019–2023: A bibliometric analysis

AbstractBackgroundBibliometric analysis is a critical indicator of the influence and relevance of scientific papers, whilst also highlighting key contributors and gaps in knowledge in a scientific field.ObjectivesTo update and analyse the 100 most‐cited papers in regenerative endodontics from 2019 to 2023.MethodsA search of the most‐cited recent papers focusing on regenerative endodontics using journals included in the category, ‘Dentistry, Oral Surgery &amp; Medicine’, in the Clarivate Web of Science database from 2019 to 2023 was performed. Three researchers conducted the study selection and data extraction. Data extraction included publication title and year, authors, number and mean number of citations, institution, country and continent, study design, journal title, keywords and research topic. Citation counts were also collected in Google Scholar and Scopus databases. Graphical bibliometric networks were created using VOSviewer software.ResultsThe number of citations of the 100 most‐cited articles ranged from 6 to 85. Most were published in 2020 (n = 48), principally in the Journal of Endodontics (47%), followed by International Endodontic Journal (13%), Journal of Dental Research (6%) and Dental Materials (6%). Laboratory study was the most common study design amongst the included papers (n = 47), followed by narrative reviews (n = 17) and observational studies (n = 16). The most frequent first author on the top three most‐cited papers was Hacer Aksel, whilst Adham A. Azim (n = 6; 89 citations) contributed most to the top 100 articles. The institution from which most articles originated was the University of Hong Kong (China) (n = 5; 81 citations), whereas the corresponding authors were predominantly from the United States of America (USA) (n = 31; 560 citations). The VOSviewer map of co‐authorship demonstrated research collaborative clusters. ‘Regenerative endodontics’ and ‘stem‐cells’ were the most employed keywords (37 and 36 occurrences respectively).DiscussionThe current study was designed not only to showcase the most influential papers in regenerative endodontics since 2019 but also to provide a better understanding of global research in this area over the last five years.ConclusionsThis bibliometric analysis highlighted papers, authors, institutions and keywords in regenerative endodontics. The 100 most‐cited papers primarily consisted of laboratory studies published in the USA, focusing on evaluating biomaterials and scaffold design strategies in contact with stem cells. Clinical studies and systematic reviews representing higher levels of scientific evidence are currently not the most influential in the regenerative endodontic field.

Potential Crown Discoloration Induced by the Combination of Various Intracanal Medicaments and Scaffolds Applied in Regenerative Endodontic Therapy.

Regenerative endodontics involves the use of various root canal medicaments and scaffolds, which may cause crown discoloration. This study aimed to investigate the combined crown discoloration of scaffolds [platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and blood clot] applied after administration of different medicaments [modified triple antibiotic paste including doxycycline (mTAPd), modified double antibiotic paste (mDAP), calcium hydroxide (CH), and propolis]. In total, 100 human mandibular premolar teeth were selected and prepared. The teeth were apically resected to simulate immature teeth. The positive and negative control groups (n = 10) consisted solely of blood-only and serum-only samples. The remaining 80 teeth were used for the experimental groups with four different medicaments. Three weeks later, either blood or PRF was applied as a scaffold after removing the medicaments (n = 10). Color changes were assessed before medication placement and at the end of the first, second, and third weeks, as well as on days 0, 1, 30, 60, and 90 after scaffold application. Analysis was carried out using repeated measures of variance, Friedman, one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, the dependent paired t-test, and Wilcoxon test. Statistical significance was determined at P = 0.05. All groups including blood and the group including propolis and PRF combination, resulted in a significant increase in discoloration (P < 0.05) and discoloration exceeding clinically acceptable thresholds. CH and the modified versions of TAP (mTAPd) and DAP (mDAP) demonstrated an acceptable level of discoloration when used with a combination of PRF at day 90.

Effects of Final Root Canal Irrigants in Conventional and Regenerative Endodontic Treatments: A Systematic Review

Background: The effectiveness of final root canal irrigants is crucial for successful conventional and regenerative endodontic treatments. This study aimed to systematically review the impact of final irrigants on dentin, disinfection, and regenerative potential in endodontic therapies. Methods: MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were electronically searched for articles on final irrigants in conventional and regenerative endodontics, evaluating effects on dentin, smear layer, fracture resistance, stem cells, growth factors, and antimicrobial properties. The risk of bias was assessed using the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation risk of bias tool. Results: Overall, 25 eligible studies were included in this review after screening 2842 articles. Commonly assessed irrigants included ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) (21 studies), sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl; 12 studies), and citric acid (6 studies). EDTA could enhance growth factors but could weaken dentin. NaOCl affected dentin despite its antimicrobial benefits. Nanoparticles, chitosan, peracetic acid (PAA), and citric acid showed potential benefits. A meta-analysis was not performed due to methodological heterogeneity. Conclusion: In general, optimized irrigation strategies balancing disinfection, biocompatibility, and regenerative potential are necessary. More research is required to develop improved irrigation protocols. Registration: PROSPERO CRD42023420406.

Pectin as a Biomaterial in Regenerative Endodontics-Assessing Biocompatibility and Antibacterial Efficacy against Common Endodontic Pathogens: An In Vitro Study.

Regenerative endodontics (REP) is a new clinical modality aiming to regenerate damaged soft and hard dental tissues, allowing for root completion in young adults' teeth. Effective disinfection is crucial for REP success, but commonly used antimicrobials often harm the niche dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). To our knowledge, this is the first study to explore the biocompatibility and antimicrobial potential of pectin as a potential natural intracanal medicament for REPs. Low methoxyl commercial citrus pectin (LM) (pectin CU701, Herbstreith&Fox.de) was used in all experiments. The pectin's antibacterial activity against single species biofilms (E. faecalis and F. nucleatum) was assessed using growth curves. The pectin's antimicrobial effect against mature dual-species biofilm was also evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) after 30 min and 7 days of treatment. The DPSC biocompatibility with 2% and 4% w/v of the pectin coatings was evaluated using live/dead staining, LDH, and WST-1 assays. Pectin showed a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect against single-species biofilms (E. faecalis and F. nucleatum) but failed to disrupt dual-species biofilm. Pectin at 2% w/v concentration proved to be biocompatible with the HDPSCs. However, 4% w/v pectin reduced both the viability and proliferation of the DPSCs. Low concentration (2% w/v) pectin was biocompatible with the DPSCs and showed an antimicrobial effect against single-species biofilms. This suggests the potential for using pectin as an injectable hydrogel for clinical applications in regenerative endodontics.

Web-Based Survey on Regenerative Endodontic Practices among Members of the American Association of Endodontists

IntroductionThe American Association of Endodontics (AAE) Regenerative Endodontics Committee reports here the web-based survey data of regenerative endodontic procedures performed by the AAE members from 2008 to 2019. MethodsThe web-based survey consisted of 2 questionnaires, a revascularization and a follow-up, including clinical and radiographic data at 3, 6, 12 or >12 months after treatment. Data from demographics, etiology, clinical protocols, radiographic, and clinical outcome as perceived by the clinicians were recorded. From 927 entries, 184 full cases were submitted and 126 were suitable for radiographic analysis. The data were divided into cases with 6–12 months and cases with >12 months recall time. Descriptive statistics and univariate analyses were performed. ResultsPredominantly patients were male (63%), average 10 years-old with anterior teeth (77.2%) due to trauma (69.6%). A wide variation in regenerative endodontic procedures protocols was reported by the AAE members. The most common clinical protocols used minimal instrumentation (75.5%), 2.5% or higher concentrations of sodium hypochlorite (83.7%), and antibiotic paste as intracanal medication (58.7%). The majority reported blood clot formation (56%) and most common coronal capping material was white mineral trioxide aggregates (50.5%). Increases in radiographic root length, and radiographic root area were proportional to the time lapsed after treatment. Overall, case outcomes were categorized by clinicians as successful (54.3%), uncertain (23.9%), and unsuccessful (3.8%). ConclusionsThis web-based survey provides a valuable perspective on case selection, clinical protocols, and perceived outcomes for regenerative endodontic procedures and supports the need for future higher level evidence studies.