Apexogenesis and Apexification
When premature teeth are damaged due to trauma or other oral health factors, their internal tissues can require extensive support to ensure they remain healthy and continue to grow properly. Specifically, dental pulp which provides a defense to irritants in the mouth needs to be monitored carefully to allow continued root development of the tooth. The term ‘apexogenesis’ refers to treatment that preserves the natural vitality of the tooth and promotes healthy root development. ‘Apexification’ refers to treatment that seals off the tip of a tooth that has suffered trauma in order to promote healthy development of the pulp within and the roots too. In this article we will go into depth describing both forms of treatment.
Apexogenesis: Procedure and Initiation
As mentioned above, apexogenesis aims to promote the health development of premature tooth pulp and stimulate natural root growth. The treatment is needed when a young patient has suffered damage to their teeth which has caused tooth pulp to develop improperly. Treatment is relatively simple and involves a pediatric dentist carefully removing damaged tooth pulp before sealing the entrance to the centre of the tooth with a medicament. Over time, the pulp heals and continues to grow properly and the roots develop healthily.
Apexification: Procedure and Initiation
The apexification procedure is rather similar to the apexogenesis treatment. It is needed when necrosis has occurred to tooth tissue or when root development is not occurring properly. The kids’ dentist carefully removes the necrotic (dying) tissue from within the tooth and seals the gap between the shell of the tooth and its centre with calcium hydroxide paste. The filler seals the space left behind within the tooth and ensures the tooth’s stability and health until it falls out naturally. Apexification may take multiple visits to become effective. In each consecutive visit, another layer of paste will be added to the hole in order to strengthen it to the degree it produces healthy tooth development.
Benefits and Risks of Apexogenesis and Apexification
Both Apexification and Apexogenesis offer significant benefits in preserving oral health in young patients. Apexification provides a barrier which protects the tooth from future infections and enhances its strength, while Apexogenesis fosters natural root development, promoting healthier and more stable teeth.
The main risk associated with these procedures is potential complications which can occur if a procedure is not carried out properly. Neglecting follow-up care can also cause complications after treatment. However, with the expertise of a skilled pediatric dentist and regular post-treatment check-ups, the success rates for both apexogenesis and apexification are generally high.
Contact Campsie Laser Dental
Contact our friendly staff if you notice your children’s baby teeth starting to become seriously discoloured or if they have experienced trauma to the mouth and need treatment. Call today on (02) 9789 6219.