Pulp revascularization: an alternative treatment to the apexification of immature teeth

Abstract

Pulp revascularization can be considered as a current alternative treatment to apexification, recommended for immature teeth cases, requiring endodontic treatment. Apexification involves long-term periodic exchanges of a calcium hydroxide paste into the root canal to induce the formation of a calcified barrier. Despite being the most classically therapy employed for these cases, the permanence of calcium hydroxide for long periods of time and also the successive changes may lead to a weakening of the root due to its hygroscopic properties and the proteolytic activities of calcium hydroxide, increasing the risk of fractures and contamination of the pulp space. Thus, a constant search for new treatment alternatives that provide the end of root development have been done to avoid the risk of future root fractures. So, revascularization has emerged as a new treatment option for cases of undeveloped teeth, that provides not only apical closure, as apexification, but also increase the dentin walls thickness. In the literature, there is an assortment of treatment protocols employing pulp revascularization procedure in attempt to attain the best way to achieve success. Assuming the diversity of protocols for revascularization treatment, it is important to go deep in the literature to collect, describe and discuss these protocols guiding new researches in this field and also conducting the clinicians. Therefore, this review aims to assess the literature on the different revascularization protocols.