Apexogenesis in The Woodlands, TX - Woodlands Endodontics

What is Apexogenesis?

Apexogenesis is a vital endodontic procedure for immature permanent teeth when the pulp is still healthy or only partially damaged. The primary goal is to preserve the tooth's living pulp tissue so the root can continue its natural development and close at the tip.

The Apexogenesis Procedure

When a young permanent tooth suffers from a pulp exposure (e.g., from trauma or a deep cavity), but the remaining pulp is healthy, apexogenesis is the treatment of choice. The procedure involves:

Pulp Capping or Pulpotomy: The damaged or infected part of the pulp is carefully removed.

Placement of a Biocompatible Material: A special medicament, like Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA), is placed directly on the remaining healthy pulp tissue.

Sealing: The tooth is then sealed with a permanent restoration to protect the pulp from bacteria and allow it to heal.

Following the initial treatment, patients undergo periodic evaluations to monitor the progress of root development and determine the necessity for further intervention. In some instances, additional apexogenesis procedures may be required to achieve optimal results and ensure the continued health and stability of the tooth.

TREATMENT

Apexogenesis

Preserves pulp vitality in young teeth, promoting root development in cases of incomplete root formation due to injury.

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The Benefits

The main benefit of apexogenesis is that it allows the tooth to continue its natural growth and strengthening process, which is critical for its long-term survival.

Continued Root Development: By keeping the pulp alive, the tooth's root can continue to mature. This makes the root longer and the walls of the root canal thicker, which strengthens the tooth and makes it less prone to fracture.

Formation of a Closed Apex: The ongoing development leads to the natural closure of the root tip, or apex. A closed apex is crucial for a healthy, stable tooth that is more resistant to infection and trauma.

Preserving Vitality: The procedure maintains the tooth's natural sensory response to temperature and other stimuli, which indicates a healthy pulp.

Improved Prognosis: A tooth that has undergone successful apexogenesis has a better long-term prognosis than a tooth that requires apexification or a full root canal, as it remains a living, natural part of the dentition.