Demineralized dentin, hydroxylapatite and dentin chips as apical plugs

Abstract Demineralized dentin, hydroxylapatite, or dentin chips were condensed into the apical 2 mm of canals with perforated apexes in 36 anterior teeth of 8 adult cynomolgus monkeys. The coronal sections of the canals were then obturated with gutta percha and Grossman's sealer. Twelve additional canals with perforated apexes were obturated 2 mm short of their radiographic apexes and served as controls. The amount of hard tissue formation and the degree of inflammation were evaluated after 3 and after 6 months. No differences were noted between the various materials after 3 months. However, after 6 months the samples with apical plugs of hydroxylapatite had more hard tissue formation and less inflammation than the others.