Is Revascularization Panacea for Immature Necrotic Teeth??

Root canal treatment in immature root with necrotic pulp, with or without periapical lesion pose various challenges. Disinfection of root canal space cannot be achieved with standard protocol using aggressive endodontic files, absolute apical seal is difficult and dentinal wall are generally thin increasing the risk of tooth fracture. Calcium hydroxide and MTA apexification outcome are still unsatisfactory due to failure of physiological root development. Revascularization procedure has gained momentum as alternative treatment for immature teeth for continued root development. Hence aim of this article is to review pulp revascularization and discuss its concept. Methods: Literature search was undertaken with articles pertaining to regenerative endodontic procedures and revascularization. Inception of revascularization, its rationale & mechanism of revascularization was reviewed. Protocol of revascularization treatment with its advantages & disadvantages were analysed. Results: Revascularization has emerged as new treatment option for management of immature teeth, facilitating the root maturation. Conclusions: Revascularization is still in its infancy, yet they have shown positive outcomes such as increase in root length, width and apical closure. It also keeps options open for other treatment in case of failure.