Long-Term Follow-up for Immature Teeth Treated with Regenerative Endodontic Procedures That Underwent Orthodontic Treatment

Although regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) have become one of the widely accepted treatment modalities for necrotic immature teeth with apical periodontitis, little is known about the long-term outcomes and the effect of orthodontic tooth movement on this procedure. This report presents a case that underwent two REPs and orthodontic treatment over a period of seven years. A 9-year-old male was referred for evaluation of traumatized maxillary central incisors. Based on clinical and radiographic examinations, a diagnosis of pulp necrosis with acute apical abscess was established. REP was performed for both teeth, and the patient was brought in for follow-up annually. Orthodontic treatment was performed during the follow-up period. Annual follow-up visits demonstrated complete resolution of signs and symptoms of disease with the thickening of the roots. At the six-year follow-up visit, the patient presented with a sinus tract and periapical radiolucency. A second REP was performed for both teeth. The one-year recall visit after the second REP revealed complete resolution of clinical symptoms and radiographic signs of healing of apical pathology with further development of the roots. In conclusion, the effect of orthodontic treatment on teeth undergoing REP should be investigated and yearly follow-up visits should be recommended for patients undergoing REP as this case showed signs of deterioration six years after the treatment. (EEJ-2020-05-126)