Review

Management Strategies for Teeth with Open Apex: From Apexification to Regenerative Endodontics

Volume: 28 Number: 3 September 30, 2025
EN TR

Management Strategies for Teeth with Open Apex: From Apexification to Regenerative Endodontics

Abstract

The management of teeth with open apices, typically resulting from trauma or developmental anomalies, remains a clinical challenge in endodontics. Historically, apexification with long-term calcium hydroxide therapy was the primary approach to induce apical closure. However, this method is associated with extended treatment duration and increased risk of root fracture. Bioceramic materials such as mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), artificial apical barriers have gained popularity due to their reduced treatment time and favorable sealing properties. More recently, regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) have emerged as a biologically based alternative aiming to restore the pulp–dentin complex and promote continued root development. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current treatment strategies for immature permanent teeth, comparing traditional apexification with modern regenerative techniques. Clinical indications, protocols, advantages, limitations, and prognosis are discussed in detail to guide evidence-based clinical decision-making.

Keywords

References

  1. 1. Andreasen JO, Farik B, Munksgaard EC. Long‐term calcium hydroxide as a root canal dressing may increase risk of root fracture. Dent Traumatol 2002;18(3):134-7.
  2. 2. Cvek M. Prognosis of luxated non‐vital maxillary incisors treated with calcium hydroxide and filled with gutta‐percha. A retrospective clinical study. Dent Traumatol 1992;8(2):45-55.
  3. 3. Torabinejad M, Chivian N. Clinical applications of mineral trioxide aggregate. J Endod 1999;25(3):197-205.
  4. 4. Hargreaves KM, Giesler T, Henry M, Wang Y. Regeneration potential of the young permanent tooth: what does the future hold? Pediatr Dent 2008;30(3):253-60.
  5. 5. Diogenes A, Ruparel NB, Shiloah Y, Hargreaves KM. Regenerative endodontics: a way forward. J Am Dent Assoc 2016;147(5):372-80.
  6. 6. Sarnowski A. Management of the Open Apex Using a Bioceramic Apical Barrier: Success and Survival Rates at Virginia Commonwealth University. 2019, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA.
  7. 7. Panda P, Mishra L, Govind S, Panda S, Lapinska B. Clinical outcome and comparison of regenerative and apexification intervention in young immature necrotic teeth—A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Med 2022;11(13):3909.
  8. 8. Patel S, Durack C, Abella F, Shemesh H, Roig M, Lemberg K. Cone beam computed tomography in endodontics–a review. Int Endod J 2015;48(1):3-15.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Endodontics

Journal Section

Review

Publication Date

September 30, 2025

Submission Date

June 30, 2025

Acceptance Date

July 9, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 1970 Volume: 28 Number: 3

EndNote
Aksoy D, Kocak S (September 1, 2025) Management Strategies for Teeth with Open Apex: From Apexification to Regenerative Endodontics. Cumhuriyet Dental Journal 28 3 462–468.

Cited By

Cumhuriyet Dental Journal (Cumhuriyet Dent J, CDJ) is the official publication of Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Dentistry. CDJ is an international journal dedicated to the latest advancement of dentistry. The aim of this journal is to provide a platform for scientists and academicians all over the world to promote, share, and discuss various new issues and developments in different areas of dentistry. First issue of the Journal of Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Dentistry was published in 1998. In 2010, journal's name was changed as Cumhuriyet Dental Journal. Journal’s publication language is English.


CDJ accepts articles in English. Submitting a paper to CDJ is free of charges. In addition, CDJ has not have article processing charges.

Frequency: Four times a year (March, June, September, and December)

IMPORTANT NOTICE

All users of Cumhuriyet Dental Journal should visit to their user's home page through the "https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/user" " or "https://dergipark.org.tr/en/user" links to update their incomplete information shown in blue or yellow warnings and update their e-mail addresses and information to the DergiPark system. Otherwise, the e-mails from the journal will not be seen or fall into the SPAM folder. Please fill in all missing part in the relevant field.

Please visit journal's AUTHOR GUIDELINE to see revised policy and submission rules to be held since 2020.