One-visit apexification using highly biocompatibile materials – review of literature

Despite the development of new methods of diagnosis and treatment of dental caries, many immature permanent teeth require root canal treatment. Permanent teeth with open apices are often treated due to trauma that may lead to pulp exposure or pulp necrosis. Endodontic treatment of immature permanent teeth is a challenge for a dentist. In the case of irreversible pulpopathy, pulp necrosis or periodontitis, the apexification procedure – a process of stimulated root formation using antiseptic and odontotropic materials in the absence of vital pulp – needs to be implemented. Apexification involving application of calcium hydroxide is the most common and conventional method to induce apical closure. Recently, the disadvantages of this traditional method have been observed and therefore an alternative treatment option has been introduced, namely one-visit apexification with highly biocompatibile materials. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine have been proposed in this procedure and in vitro and clinical studies presented in the literature confirm its effectiveness.