OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of revascularization for treatment of immature teeth with endodontic infection mediated by calcium hydroxide.

METHODSSeventeen pediatric patients with endodontic infections of the permanent teeth were treated with routine root canal and pulp cavity irrigation and disinfection followed by application of calcium hydroxide paste to the root canal orifice to induce revascularization. Another 17 patients received conventional apexification procedures to serve as the control group. The patients were followed up to observe the therapeutic effect of the treatments.

RESULTSIn the revascularization treatment group, 4 cases showed healed periapical lesions 6 to 18 months after the surgery with thickened root canal walls and closure of the apical foramen; in 10 cases, the periapical lesions healed 12 to 18 months postoperatively with lengthened root, thickened root canal wall, and narrowed apical foramen. One patient reported pain and swelling at 2 months, and 2 patients showed the formation of gum fistula and ceased development of the roots at 7 and 8 months. In the control group, the periapical lesions healed in 1 cases at 12 months postoperatively with apical foramen closure; in 11 cases, hard tissues formed in the root apex without obviously lengthened roots 6 to 8 months after the surgery; in 5 cases, no apical barrier formed even 12 to 18 months after the surgery. The overall effective rates were similar between the two groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONSRevascularization by calcium hydroxide sealing can promote root development of immature permanent teeth with pulpitis or periradicular periodontitis.