Immature/Developing Teeth

Traumatic injuries or cavities of developing adult teeth in children may lead to issues of the nerve of the tooth. There are procedures to address the pulp of these teeth:

• Apexogenesis: This procedure encourages the root to continue development (length and width) as the pulp is healed. Soft tissue is covered with medication to encourage growth. The tip of the root (apex) will continue to close as the child gets older. In turn, the walls of the root canal will thicken. If the pulp heals, no additional treatment will be necessary. The more mature the root becomes, the better the chance to save the tooth
• Apexification: In this case, the unhealthy pulp is removed. The doctors place medication into the root to help a hard tissue form near the root tip. This hardened tissue provides a barrier for the root canal filling. At this point, the root canal walls will not continue to develop, making the tooth susceptible to fractures. So it is important to have the tooth properly restored by your dentist.
• Pulpal Regeneration/Revascularization: This procedure encourages the development of root length and width in a immature tooth where the pulp/nerve tissue has died. This involves placing medication inside the root canal system and stimulating bleeding inside the root canal system as well. Multiple visits may be recommended to change the medication and encourage continued root development. After a few months, a biocompatible material is placed in the root canal and sealed with a final restoration