Comparative study to evaluate the efficacy of surgical and conservative techniques for apexification in young permanent teeth with open apices.

The Study was conducted to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of surgical and conservative approach for apexification. Twenty-four non-vital permanent maxillary anterior teeth were selected for this study. The teeth selected were having wide apical foramen and definite radiolucent periapical area. Twelve teeth were treated under conservative method and another 12 teeth with surgical method using 'Renew' (A radioopaque calcium Hydroxide paste). The patient were recalled after 1 1/2, 3, 4 and 6 Months. The results of the study indicated that Calcific bridge formation is rapid in teeth treated with conservative technique. However, periapical repair is accelerated in teeth treated by surgical technique, though the results are comparable at the end of 6 months, So the conservative approach is preferred as it saves surgical trauma. In conservative technique, 75% of the teeth showed calcific bridge formation and 100% showed decrease in periapical radiolucent area by 3.56 mm (mean) after 6 months. In surgical technique the radiographic evidence of calcific bridge formation was noticed in 54.51% of teeth after 6 months. However in 100% of teeth there was decrease in periapical radiolucent area by 3.53 mm (mean) after 6 months.