Regeneration or replacement? A case report and review of literature

Abstract

Endodontic treatment of immature necrotic teeth is a real challenge. Recently, a biologically based treatment strategy, referred to as regeneration, has been introduced. Tissue regeneration requires the presence of stems cells, a scaffold, and growth factors. Endodontic regeneration may improve the prognosis of immature necrotic teeth by re-establishing the functional pulpal tissue and further development of the root. However, the tissue formed in the pulpal space may not be original pulp tissue, and in some cases, it may result in uncontrolled calcification of the pulp. This study reports a case of successful endodontic regeneration and compares this process with the normal development of the contralateral tooth. Finally, it discusses the nature of the tissue formed during endodontic regeneration.