Web-Based Survey on Regenerative Endodontic Practices among Members of the American Association of Endodontists

Introduction

The American Association of Endodontics (AAE) Regenerative Endodontics Committee reports here the web-based survey data of regenerative endodontic procedures performed by the AAE members from 2008 to 2019.

Methods

The web-based survey consisted of 2 questionnaires, a revascularization and a follow-up, including clinical and radiographic data at 3, 6, 12 or >12 months after treatment. Data from demographics, etiology, clinical protocols, radiographic, and clinical outcome as perceived by the clinicians were recorded. From 927 entries, 184 full cases were submitted and 126 were suitable for radiographic analysis. The data were divided into cases with 6–12 months and cases with >12 months recall time. Descriptive statistics and univariate analyses were performed.

Results

Predominantly patients were male (63%), average 10 years-old with anterior teeth (77.2%) due to trauma (69.6%). A wide variation in regenerative endodontic procedures protocols was reported by the AAE members. The most common clinical protocols used minimal instrumentation (75.5%), 2.5% or higher concentrations of sodium hypochlorite (83.7%), and antibiotic paste as intracanal medication (58.7%). The majority reported blood clot formation (56%) and most common coronal capping material was white mineral trioxide aggregates (50.5%). Increases in radiographic root length, and radiographic root area were proportional to the time lapsed after treatment. Overall, case outcomes were categorized by clinicians as successful (54.3%), uncertain (23.9%), and unsuccessful (3.8%).

Conclusions

This web-based survey provides a valuable perspective on case selection, clinical protocols, and perceived outcomes for regenerative endodontic procedures and supports the need for future higher level evidence studies.