Apexification of anterior teeth: a comparative evaluation of mineral trioxide aggregate and calcium hydroxide paste.

Purpose: This study was undertaken to compare the clinical and radiographic effectiveness of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) and Calcium Hydroxide in apexification of traumatized young permanent incisors.

Methods: Thirty permanent incisors with necrotic pulps and open apices were evenly divided into two groups--Group I (MTA group) & Group II (Calcium Hydroxide group) and treated by apexification. The time taken for apical barrier formation was analyzed. In MTA group, obturation using gutta-percha points was done after 24 hours, whereas in Calcium Hydroxide group obturation was carried out after radiographic confirmation of an apical barrier. Follow up evaluation (clinical and radiographic) was carried out at- 3, 6, 9 and 12 months.

Results: The mean time taken for barrier in Group I was 4.50 +/- 1.56 months whereas for Group II was 7.93 +/- 2.53 months (p value- 0.0002). Radiographic evidence of mean time taken for completion of lamina dura in Group I was 4.07 +/- 1.49 months whereas the time period for Group II was 6.43 +/- 2.59 months (p value- 0.0067).

Conclusion: MTA demonstrated good success and an effective option for apexification with the advantage of reduced treatment time, good sealing ability, biocompatible and provides barrier for immediate obturation.