Abstract
Introduction: Earlier, treatment of immature necrotic tooth focussed only on surgical endodontic management and apexification procedures. Regenerative endodontic therapies have called for a paradigm shift in management of such cases. Prognosis becomes challenging though at times due to chronicity of infection, inadequate disinfection of canal space and cytotoxic nature of irrigants used hindering the survival of the apical stem cells.
Case presentation: This report highlights the management of a long-standing case of an immature necrotic tooth with an extensive periapical lesion in a 12 year old male patient. The protocol of regenerative endodontic procedure using platelet rich fibrin (PRF) was followed. Follow up visits at 1week, 3months and 12 months revealed a successful clinical and radiological outcome leading to progressive maturogenesis of the tooth.
Conclusion: The case report favours the possibility of stem cells of apical papilla being viable even in chronic periapical lesions. Hence conservative approach involving regenerative endodontic therapies should always be sought for as first line of treatment in such cases.