Abstract: Objective To assess the clinical outcome of apexification treatment of open apices premolars with chronic apical periodontitis in adults. Methods 18 open apices premolar teeth with chronic apical periodontitis between 18 and 26 years old received apexification with Vitapex by the same operator. Patients were recalled 2 weeks,1 month,3 months after operation and every 3 months thereafter for clinical and radiographic examinations.The root canals were then filled with AH-Plus and gutta-percha when the apical barrier could be detected. Results 15 teeth formed type Ⅱ apical closure,while the other 3 teeth formed type Ⅲ. The effective rate was 100%.When observing the radiograph, we found that the healing of periapical tissue occurred in 14 teeth,while the other 4 teeth had the decrease in the size of the periapical lesions. From Vitapex sealing to permanent filling,the average time of treatment was 10.2 months. Conclusions Apexification is effective to the open apices premolars with chronic apical periodontitis in adults.

Key words: apexification, Vitapex, adults, apical closure