[Discussion on the common issue about regenerative endodontic treatment, apexification or apical barrier].

Regenerative endodontic treatment, apexification or apical barrier can all eliminate the signs and symptoms induced by pulp necrosis with or without apical periodontitis of young permanent teeth, and promote the healing of bone lesions. Although regenerative endodontic treatment may promote the continued development of the root in affected teeth, it is difficult to predict the prognosis as influenced by various factors. And calcification is common after regenerative endodontic treatment. Moreover, the views that apexification may increase the risk of root fracture and that apexification or apical barrier cannot promote the further development of the roots are biased. For some cases, apexification or apical barrier are still good choices. In clinic, when the treatment plan is made, the factors such as the medical condition of the patients, the degree of root development of the affected teeth, the cause and the course of diseases, the amount of residual dental tissues should be fully considered to obtain the best prognosis for the affected teeth.