OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical effect of treatment of open apices teeth with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) compared with apexification using Vitapex in the adult.

METHODSThe root canals of 41 anterior teeth and premolars with single canal and open apices in adults were cleaned and shaped, and then disinfected with calcium hydroxide. The apical root canals of 21 teeth in experimental group were filled with MTA to create a 3-5 mm apical barrier. The remainder of the canals was filled with AH plus and Obtura II gutta-percha. The canals of 20 teeth in control were treated with Vitapex. The root canals were then filled with Obtura II gutta-percha when the apical barrier could be detected. The visit times, period and result of the treatment were recorded for all cases.

RESULTSGood result was achieved in the most cases in the experimental group. The postoperative X-ray films showed that the canals of 15 teeth were obturated well. 6 teeth showed over-filling by 0.5-2 mm. The recalled patients declared their teeth to be asymptomatic except one. The recall radiographs indicated that the apical radiolucent areas of the teeth with pre-existing apical lesion decreased apparently or disappeared completely, except one tooth with large apical radiolucency. No new radiolucency was found around the roots. In the control group, the apexification of 11 teeth succeeded, and 9 failed. The average visit times was 3.5 in experimental group and 6.0 in control. The average period of the whole endodontic treatment was 11.8 days in experimental group and 306.8 in control.

CONCLUSIONMTA is more effective and quicker than apexification in treatment of teeth with open apices in adults.