Maturogenesis: is it a new concept?

The treatment of an undeveloped (immature) tooth with a carious exposure has been reported extensively in the literature. The main objective of treatment is to provide vital pulp therapy to allow continued development of root dentin in the hope that the root will attain full maturity. A case report is presented that illustrates root development (maturogenesis), not just closure of the apex (apexogenesis). A direct pulp cap was performed after a carious pulp exposure using calcium hydroxide with iodoform paste. The crown was restored with a glass ionomer/composite resin cement.