Apexification and Apexogenesis

Traumatic dental injuries can happen at any time - during sports, as the result of a fall, or in a car accident. When the tooth is damaged before the root has fully developed, it requires special endodontic procedures like apexification and apexogenesis to save the tooth and allow it to continue developing.

An open apex refers to a tooth root that is not fully developed, where the tip of the root remains open, especially in children with immature teeth. These are called open apex teeth. When trauma or decay affects an immature tooth with an open apex, it cannot be treated with conventional root canal methods because the tip of the root cannot be sealed in the same way. That's when apexification or apexogenesis may be necessary.

Apexification

Apexification is a treatment designed to form a calcified barrier at the root tip of an immature tooth. This is used when the tooth pulp is no longer vital, and the root hasn't fully formed. Here's how it works:

• The endodontist removes the dead or infected pulp.
• A medication, such as calcium hydroxide, is placed inside the root to encourage the formation of hard tissue at the open apex.
• Once the barrier is fully formed, the tooth can undergo a traditional root canal and be restored.

This procedure allows for a predictable and effective treatment outcome for teeth that have not fully developed.

Apexogenesis

Apexogenesis, by contrast, is performed when the pulp of an immature tooth is still healthy. The goal is to maintain the pulp's vitality so that the root can continue to develop naturally, closing the open apex.

During the procedure:

• The damaged pulp tissue is removed, but the healthy tissue is left intact.
• The exposed pulp is covered with materials like calcium hydroxide or mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), which encourage healing and continued root development.

If the pulp heals successfully, the tooth can continue to mature without needing further endodontic treatment, preserving both its vitality and function. 

Why These Procedures Matter

Both apexification and apexogenesis are critical for preserving the long-term health of immature teeth that have been damaged. These procedures ensure that teeth with open apexes can be saved, preventing extractions and allowing for proper development.

At Prestige Dental Specialists in Annandale, we use advanced diagnostic tools like CBCT scans to assess each case with precision. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing high-quality endodontic care to protect your smile. Contact us today if you have experienced dental trauma or need specialized care. Our team of experts will ensure you receive the best possible treatment to save and restore your tooth.