Clinical evidence of the apexification technique using apical barrier with mineral trioxide aggregate: a critical review

Abstract

This study evaluated the apexification technique using apical barrier with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) by retrospective and prospective clinical studies published at specialized literature. Sources of bibliographic cataloging identified electronically by PUBMED / MEDLINE (http://www.pubmed.gov) were used. The terms Apexification MTA, Apexification mineral trioxide agreggate, apical closure MTA, Apexification immature teeth were used in the search. The articles were selected for the period from February 2005 until April 2010, in the following journals: Dental Traumatology, International Endodontic Journal; Journal of Endodontics e Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology and Endodontics. The search resulted in 28 articles, which were reduced to 5 after applying the exclusion criteria: laboratory and animal studies, case reports, case series study, descriptive epidemiological study, in addition to narrative literature review. Clinical studies reviewed indicated that the MTA is appropriate for the clinical management of endodontic apexification in the process or when there is apical resorption or excessive mechanical amplification of the apical tooth. This material promotes biological repair and regeneration of the periodontal ligament and has good sealing ability. However, more conclusive clinical studies on the use of MTA as apical barrier in apexification procedures are needed.