The purpose of the present study was to assess the proper time to perform a restoration (immediately or delayed) after placement of two calcium silicate-based cements (CSCs) and to test the performance of two different restorative protocols regarding shear bond strength (SBS). Seventy-five acrylic blocks were randomly divided into five groups (n = 15). Specimens were filled with either ProRoot MTA (Dentsply Tulsa Dental) or Biodentine (Septodont). The restoration was performed at an immediate (12 min) or delayed (seven days) timeframe, using a resin-based flowable composite (SDR) (bonded to the CSC using a universal bonding system) or glass ionomer cement (GIC) as restorative materials. SBS was measured using a universal testing machine. Fractured surfaces were evaluated, and the pattern was registered. Statistical analysis was performed using the Dunn–Sidak post hoc test (P < 0.05). Biodentine/immediate SDR showed the highest mean SBS value (4.44 MPa), with statistically significant differences when compared to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)/GIC (1.14 MPa) and MTA/immediate SDR (1.33 MPa). MTA/GIC and MTA/immediate SDR did not present significant differences regarding SBS. No statistical differences were verified concerning mean SBS between both CSCs within the 7 day groups. MTA/delayed SDR (3.86 MPa) presented statistical differences compared to MTA/immediate SDR, whereas no differences were observed regarding Biodentine performance (Biodentine/immediate SDR and Biodentine/delayed SDR (3.09 MPa)). Bonding procedures directly on top of MTA might be preferably performed at a delayed timeframe, whereas Biodentine might allow for immediate restoration.

Regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) have emerged as a treatment option for immature necrotic teeth to allow the reestablishment of a newly formed vital tissue and enable continued root development. The apical papilla stem cells (SCAPs) play an important role in physiologic root development and may also contribute to further root development during REPs. The goal of these case reports is to show evidence of the apical papilla survival and development, in human teeth with apical periodontitis, after REPs, with 5-year clinical and radiographic follow-up. In the first case, an 11-year-old girl with acute apical abscess of tooth 15 was referred for a REP. Treatment was performed with an intracanal medication followed by induction of a blood clot and a Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) cervical barrier. The 5-year follow-up showed an appreciable increase in root length as well as root canal thickness. In case 2, a 16-year-old girl was referred for endodontic treatment of tooth 21. The parents of the patient recalled a previous dental trauma (no specified on the patient records) on tooth 21 at age 7. The dental history reports a previous endodontic treatment failure and presence of a long-standing sinus tract. A mineralized tissue beyond the root apical portion could be seen at the preoperative X-ray. Nonsurgical root canal retreatment with an apical barrier was suggested as the treatment plan and accepted by the patient. After 2 weeks, the patient was recalled for a follow-up appointment presenting spontaneous pain, swelling, and sinus tract. Apical surgery was performed. Histopathological assessment of the apical root fragment collected showed the presence of dentin, cementum and pulp tissue, including odontoblasts. The 5-year follow-up depicted complete apical healing. The present case reports support survival and continued potential differentiation of the apical papilla after endodontic infection.