Introduction Revascularization treatment is rapidly becoming an accepted alternative for the management of endodontic pathology in immature permanent teeth with necrotic dental pulps. However, the success and timing of clinical resolution of symptoms and of radiographic outcomes of interest, such as continued hard tissue deposition within the root, are largely unknown. Methods In this prospective cohort study, 20 teeth were treated with a standardized revascularization treatment protocol, and monitored for clinical and radiographic changes for one year. Standardized radiographs were collected at regular intervals and radiographic changes were quantified. Results All 20 treated teeth survived during the 12 month follow up period and all 20 also met the clinical criteria for success at 12 months. As a group, the treated teeth demonstrated a statistically significant increase in radiographic width and length, and a decrease in apical diameter, although the changes in many cases were quite small such that the clinical significance is unclear. The within-case percent change in apical diameter after 3 months was 16% and had increased to 79% by 12 months, with 55% (11/20) showing complete apical closure. The within-case percent change in root length averaged less than 1% at 3 months and increased to 5% at 12 months. The within-case percent change in root thickness averaged 3% at 3 months and 21% at 12 months. Conclusions Although clinical success was highly predictable with this procedure, clinically meaningful radiographic root thickening and lengthening is less predictable at one year of follow up. Apical closure is the most consistent radiographic finding.

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The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) Consensus Conference Recommended Diagnostic Terminology states that mature permanent teeth clinically diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis are treated with pulpectomy and root canal filling because inflamed vital pulp is not capable of healing. Histological studies have demonstrated that clinically diagnosed irreversible pulpitis does not involve the entire pulp. A recent International Endodontic Journal Editorial suggested clinical diagnosis of pulp disease should be reassessed because of the poor correlation between clinical symptoms and pulp sensibility testing and the actual histological status of the pulp. This review identified studies in a PubMed search that provide evidence for vital pulp therapy (VPT) of mature permanent teeth with irreversible pulpitis is predictable if correctly diagnosed and properly treated. A narrative review was undertaken to outline the correlation between the clinical symptoms/signs and pulp sensibility testing and the histological findings of the pulp. Treatment procedures for permanent teeth are outlined. † CH (Dycal; Dentsply Caulk, Milford, DE, USA).

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Within the limitation of this study, it can be concluded that residual pulp tissue can remain in the canals after revascularization procedures of immature teeth with artificially induced pulp infection. This can lead to the misinterpretation that true pulpal regeneration has occurred. Ingrowth of apical bone into the root canals undergoing revascularization can interfere with normal tooth eruption if ankylosis occurs.