title: Apexification: review of the literature.
abstract: Five methods for the treatment of teeth with an incompletely formed apex (open apex) and a necrotic pulp are discussed. The methods discussed include the use of (1) a customized cone (blunt-end, rolled cone); (2) a short-fill technique; (3) periapical surgery (with or without a retrograde seal); (4) apexification (apical closure induction); and (5) one-visit apexification. The apexification techniques, which use various formulations of calcium hydroxide to induce closure, are stressed. Based on the review of the literature and clinical experience of the authors, it was concluded that successful treatment of an immature pulpless tooth can partly result from the antibacterial and calcification-inducing action of calcium hydroxide.
authors.affiliation: Temple University, School of Dentistry, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140.
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Morse
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: O'Larnic
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Yesilsoy
mesh_terms: D002126:Calcium Hydroxide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003790:Dental Pulp Necrosis; D003809:Dentin, Secondary / Q000139:chemically induced; D006171:Gutta-Percha; D006801:Humans; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D012390:Root Canal Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000254:growth & development*
chemical_list: D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D006171:Gutta-Percha; D002126:Calcium Hydroxide