Revitalization of Teeth With Necrotic Pulps and Open Apexes Using Platelet-Rich Plasma

When root canals of infected teeth with closed ends are cleaned, disinfected and filled, the results are predictable with excellent outcomes. However, in a tooth with incomplete root development, the end of the root(s) must be closed before filling the root canals. One or two-step artificial barrier using mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has been used before filling the root canals of these teeth. Despite the high success of this treatment, this procedure does not result in complete root formation and these teeth are susceptible to root fracture. A number of case reports in scientific journal have shown the possibility for regeneration of nerve within the root canal space and continued root development in teeth with dead nerves and open ends. There is very little information regarding the use of stem cells and growth factors from the blood of patients to regenerate the nerves in these teeth. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) from whole blood has been mentioned in the literature as a potential ideal material for regeneration of nerves in these teeth. The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of PRP to regenerate tooth nerve and close the root ends in teeth with root canal infection and open root ends.