Traumatized immature teeth treated with 2 protocols of pulp revascularization.

INTRODUCTION: Pulp revascularization may be considered a promising alternative for traumatized necrotic immature teeth. The aim of this study was to evaluate traumatized immature teeth treated with 2 protocols of pulp revascularization.

METHODS: Twenty-three teeth of young patients (7-17 years old) with necrotic upper incisors caused by dental trauma were divided into 2 groups; one group was treated with triple antibiotic paste (metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, and minocycline) (TAP) (n = 12), and the other was medicated with combination of calcium hydroxide and 2% chlorhexidine gel (CHP) (n = 11). Patients were treated and followed up for a period from 9-19 months in 2 dental institutions for evaluation of clinical and radiographic data.

RESULTS: Most of the teeth were affected by lateral luxation (47.8%). Clinical evaluation in group TAP showed significant reduction in spontaneous pain (P = .01), pain on horizontal percussion (P = .007), and pain on palpation (P = .03), whereas group CHP showed significant reduction in pain on vertical percussion (P = .03). Crown discoloration was observed significantly more in teeth of group TAP (83.3%) (P < .002). On radiographic exam, periapical repair was found in all TAP-treated teeth (P = .03). Similarly, the same findings were found for all teeth treated with CHP with exception of 1 tooth (P = .21). Apical closure was significantly observed in both groups (P < .05). Increase in root length was demonstrated in 5 teeth (41.7%) and 3 teeth (27.3%) of groups TAP and CHP, respectively. Thickening of lateral dentinal walls was observed in 5 teeth of each group.

CONCLUSIONS: Revascularization outcomes for traumatized patients treated with the tested protocols presented similar clinical and radiographic data. However, TAP caused esthetic problem leading to tooth discoloration, which can be considered a disadvantage when compared with CHP.