European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

REGENERATIVE ENDODONTICS

Veeramma Patil*, R. Vinaychandra and Geeta I. B.

ABSTRACT

Regenerativeendodontics is an exciting and developing field in the treatment of immatureteeth with infected root canals that has been described as a “paradigm shift”in the management of these teeth and can result in continued root maturationand apical closure. Traditional approaches of calcium hydroxide apexificationand apical barrier techniques with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) have beenused in the treatment of immature teeth with pulp necrosis though generallythere is no further root development so the roots remain thin and fragile witha higher risk of fracture and tooth loss. The treatment of immature teeth withREPs has been described as a „paradigm shift‟ as there is the potential forfurther root maturation. Clinically, REPs involve disinfection of the rootcanal system without damaging the endogenous stem cell potential present in theapical papilla and other tissues. These stems cells are introduced into theroot canal space by inducing a blood clot followed by placement of anintracanal barrier to prevent microleakage. The biological concept of REPsinvolves the triad of stem cells, scaffold and signalling molecules.

Keywords: Regenerative, Stem cells, Tissue engineering, Scaffold, Bioengineering, revascularization.