Endodontic Services in Plano

Endodontic Treatment

Apexification and Apexogensis

The majority of dental injuries occur in children. Whether the trauma results from a sports mishap, an altercation, an automobile accident, or a bad fall, the severity and type of injury will determine the treatment necessary. If the child's permanent or adult teeth have not fully developed at the time of the injury, this situation may need special attention.

In an immature adult tooth, the apex, or tip of the root, remains open, and the root canal walls are thin. As the tooth develops, the apex closes and the canal walls thicken. Injury to the area can halt the natural growth progress. Your child may need either apexification or apexogensis to preserve this tooth.

With apexification, the doctor treats the immature tooth by creating an environment that encourages a calcified barrier to form over the open apex. In this case, he will remove the unhealthy pulp and place medication into the root to create a hard tissue form near the root tip. This hardened tissue acts as a barrier for the root canal filling. At this point, the root canal walls stop developing, which leaves the tooth susceptible to fractures, so you need to have the tooth properly restored by your general dentist.

Click here to watch a presentation on apexification.

Apexogensis encourages continued development of the root as the pulp heals. The endodontist will cover the soft tissue with medication to support growth. The tip of the root, the apex, will continue to close as the child gets older. In turn, the walls of the root canal will thicken. If the pulp heals, your child won't need any additional treatment. The more mature the root becomes, the better the chance of saving the tooth.

Click here to watch a presentation on apexogensis.

If your general dentist has recommended that you see an endodontist to evaluate your need for apexification or apexogensis, please contact our Plano office. At North Texas Endodontic Associates, we care for patients from Plano and the Dallas/Fort Worth area with thorough clinical treatment and gentle, compassionate care.