Periapical lesions—typically inflammatory bone changes around the tooth apex—can result from infection, trauma, or necrosis.
Treatment approaches vary depending on whether the tooth is mature or still developing (immature), and on the severity of the lesion.
Treatment Success Defined
★ For mature permanent teeth, success means complete healing of the inflammatory lesion.
★ For immature teeth, it also includes successful continuation (completion) of root development.
Methods Used
The authors conducted a systematic literature search across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science.
They included a total of 17 publications: seven case reports, seven case series, and three cohort studies, all detailing methods, patient characteristics, follow-up data, and outcomes.
► DENTAL BOOK: Cohen’s Pathways of the Pulp – 12th Edition (2020): The Ultimate Guide in Endodontics
Key Findings
★ Mature teeth
Conventional root canal therapy (RCT)—involving pulp removal, chemo-mechanical cleaning, and canal sealing—remains the standard approach.
★ Immature teeth
Apexification techniques—typically using calcium hydroxide or modern bioceramics such as MTA (mineral trioxide aggregate) or Biodentine—have been widely used and have shown improved outcomes.
Conclusions
Advances in materials, especially bioceramics, have significantly enhanced the success of both revitalization (regenerative) procedures and apexification in immature teeth.
In some cases, these contemporary techniques now rival—or even surpass—the clinical effectiveness of traditional RCT in mature permanent teeth.
The authors encourage dental professionals worldwide to consult the Full PDF article for detailed insights, case specifics, follow-up durations, and comprehensive clinical outcomes.
