Abstract:

Objective To evaluate and compare the treatment efficacy between concentrated growth factor(CGF) and blood clots(BC) as scaffolds in regenerative endodontic procedures(REPs). Methods Twenty young permanent teeth from 18 healthy children with pulp necrosis or periapical periodontitis were randomly divided into CGF group and BC group. In the CGF group(n=10), after apical bleeding, CGF was inserted into the root canal as a stent. In the BC group(n=10), by stimulating apical bleeding, blood entered the root canal and produced blood clots as scaffolds. Clinical examination and apical X-ray shooting were conducted for each follow-up visit. Cone beam computed tomographic(CBCT) images were acquired preoperatively and at the 24-month recall. The increase of root length, root wall thickness, and newly-formed calcified tissue were calculated. Results The root length increased by (1.68±0.90)mm in the CGF group and (2.36±1.34)mm in the BC group. Root wall thickness increased by (0.44±0.34)mm in the CGF group and (0.50±0.31)mm in the BC group. There was no statistically significant difference in root lengthening and root wall thickening between two groups(P>0.05). The amount of newly formed calcified tissue in the CGF group ((22.13±19.12)mm³) was significantly less than that in the BC group ((42.97±22.69)mm³)(P<0.05). According to the goals for success outlined by American Association of Endodontists(AAE), 90%(9/10) of the CGF cases and 100%(10/10) of the BC cases achieved the primary and secondary goals(P>0.05). 40% of the CGF cases(4/10) and 60% of the BC cases(6/10) achieved the tertiary goal(P>0.05). Conclusion CGF is found to be useful as a scaffold for REPs, but the success rate is slightly lower than that of BC group and the difference is not statistically significant.

Key words: blood clot, concentrated growth factor, pulp regeneration, cone beam computed tomography