Super natural power of MTA!! Successful management of badly mutilated young molars, report of two cases with 3 years follow up

Introduction

Three-dimensional obturation with apical seal of a root canal is the basic requirement for a successful outcome in Root canal treatment of permanent teeth. But the challenge is faced when nonvital tooth is immature with open apex. In such cases, Apexification procedure or Regenerative Endodontics is employed. Apexification is defined as “a method of inducing a calcified barrier in a root with an open apex or the continued apical development of an incompletely formed root in teeth with necrotic pulp.”^[1] Material of choice for apexification was calcium hydroxide in past era, but in recent times MTA has been universally accepted for apexification.

MTA is made up of dicalcium silicate, tricalcium silicate, bismuth oxide, and calcium sulphate. The MTA powder hydrates to a fine crystalline gel-like consistency. This solidifies into a structure in less than three hours.^[2] Due to MTA's hydrophilic nature, the existence of moisture, particularly blood, has no effect on its capacity to seal. ^[3]

When compared with calcium hydroxide–induced apical closure, MTA has multiple advantages like less treatment time required, the tooth is less likely to fracture and requiring less visits to the clinic.^[4]

The major drawback of MTA among others^[5] is its manipulation to achieve its placement in the wide apical area. In most of the open apex cases, MTA requires an orthograde condensation which can lead to extrusion of material in to peri- radicular tissues.

The use of MTA as an apexification agent in incisors and premolars is documented in a sizable number of case studies, but the present case report highlights unique nonsurgical endodontic management of open apex of immature mandibular permanent molars with MTA along with its long-term outcome when extruded unintentionally.

Case Reports

Case 2

An 11-year-old girl visited to department with pain in the lower left first permanent molar since last 3-4 weeks. Clinical examination revealed temporary restoration with a deep occlusal pit with respect to the left mandibular permanent first molar ([Figure 2]A). Radiograph showed temporary restoration with periapical radiolucency and the existence of an open apex on mesial and distal root ([Figure 2]B). The decision was made to treat the tooth with MTA apical plug. After explaining the possible risks and benefits of the procedure, an informed consent form signed by the parent was obtained.

Biomechanical preparation was done after working length determination followed by calcium hydroxide as intracanal medicament. Given the large apical foramen, there was a chance that the CH paste would extrude. Consequently, a radiographic evaluation of the CH dressing extension was conducted and it revealed calcium hydroxide extrusion into the mandibular canal ([Figure 2]C). The patient reported neither pain nor any other complaints.

Following three weeks, 5.25% NaOCl, 17% EDTA, and saline were alternately irrigated to flush out the calcium hydroxide. Then, both root canals were dried with paper points and an apical plug with MTA mixture ([Figure 2]D) was prepared. Small amount of MTA was extruded from mesial and distal canals into radiolucency of periapical area. The parents were informed about the iatrogenic error of extruded MTA. The remaining part of the root canal was filled with gutta-percha ([Figure 2]E) using backfill technique and a stainless steel crown was placed. ([Figure 2]F).

Radiographic examination after a year follow-up ([Figure 2]G) revealed resorption and healing of calcium hydroxide in periapical area, the position of the extruded MTA seemed to have changed; also mandibular canal was observed free of calcium hydroxide. Complete resorption of material from mandibular canal was confirmed and the shifted extruded MTA from the mesial canal appeared to be resorbed on 3-year follow-up radiograph ([Figure 2]H).

Discussion

Mandibular first permanent molars are on high risk for dental caries as it erupts first in the oral cavity.^[6] If not intervened on time, permanent molars may become extensively decayed and ultimately indicated for extraction. After extraction of first permanent molar one of the treatment approaches include spontaneous space closure by second permanent molar. But the space closure is age specific and less predictable in the lower arch than the upper arch. ^[7] To avoid these unpredictable consequences and psychological trauma to the child, nonsurgical management of the mutilated young mandibular first permanent molar by MTA apexification holds promising results.

Due to its various Biomimetic properties, MTA showed clinical and radiographic success as a root end closure material and established as a suitable material for apexification than calcium hydroxide. ^[8] MTA is mainly made up of tricalcium and dicalcium silicate, which when hydrated, forms calcium silicate hydrate gel (C-S-H) and CH. ^[9] Bismuth oxide (Bi2O3), the radio-opacifier in MTA powder is found in C-S-H both as part of its structure and as unreacted filler particles. It can encourage cell differentiation into cells which forms hard tissue and create hard tissue matrix, when applied as an apical barrier. ^[10] However, MTA apical barrier technique has disadvantage of extrusion in the apical area due to open apex.

Several factors which will intensify the risk of filling material extrusion beyond tooth apex are: the complex anatomy of the root canals, an undeveloped root apex, an excessive compaction force, over-instrumentation, etc.^[11] Extrusion of irrigation solution, dressing and obturating materials and sealers have been reported to persuade nerve injury along with irritation and pain when extruded.^[9], ^[12], ^[13]

In the above cases, unfortunately MTA was extruded into the periradicular region during root end closure. It appeared that the periapically extruded MTA has been relocated from its original location and on follow ups, reduction in size of the extruded material was evident on radiograph. It is believed that the calcium silicate over time gets absorbed into the surrounding tissue and only the radio-opacifier bismuth oxide remains and was visible on radiograph. Irrespective of the position of dislodged MTA, healing of the lesion around it was evident. Expecting the poor prognosis with overfilling root canal filling materials, these healing responses were exceptionally favorable.^[14], ^[15] Extrusion of MTA during apexification in an open apex is not a common accident and if it extrudes does not impair the healing of its surroundings, but can sometimes cause discomfort, along with irritation and pain.^[9] It has been recommended to use a resorbable matrix to easily control length and avoid overfilling. The use of resorbable barriers such as calcium hydroxide, collagen, calcium phosphate, tricalcium sulphate or calcium sulfate hemihydrate in combination with collagen has been used as an internal matrix to avoid unintentional extrusion of MTA.^[10], ^[16]

Kumar V. et al have documented MTA apexification successfully in young posterior teeth.^[17] Likewise in the second case MTA apexification was done in all the root canals. Here, some amount of MTA was extruded in both canals, but lesion around it was healed upon follow up. Demiriz L. et al also concluded that extrusion of MTA in the apical area can lead to healing of periapical region due to its properties like bone deposition without any inflammatory reaction, regeneration of periapical tissues to a normal condition and an excellent biocompatibility.^[18]

According to Grotz KA. et al. severe acute pain during or just after endodontic intervention and neural alterations such as hyperesthesia, anaesthesia, paraesthesia, and hypoesthesia are the initial symptoms with material extrusion into the mandibular canal.^[19] Contrast to this, second case demonstrated overextension of calcium hydroxide into mandibular canal due to open apex or high compaction force without neural alterations. Here, the patient did not show any pain or symptom of nerve injury. Over a period of time, sealer may completely be cleared from the periapical area by macrophages, which then sooner or later heal up.^[20] The patient was followed-up for 3 years which showed elimination of calcium hydroxide from mandibular canal without any reported symptoms.

Lentulo spiral applies less intracanal pressure than a syringe when applying filling pastes.^[21] Hence, to prevent material extrusion, its use has been suggested which eventually decreases the risk of nerve damage in children.

Conclusion

Nonsurgical management of mutilated young permanent molars can be successfully carried out by MTA apexification procedure. While the posterior teeth are less visible, less accessible because of their narrow canals, and have a smaller mouth opening than the anterior teeth, MTA apexification with precise technique gives favourable outcome. MTA promotes periapical healing and apexification even in cases where a significant portion of the material was unintentionally extruded.

Source of Funding

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.