Apexification

Generally, teeth have roots in a cone shape and contain canals which narrow from the crown to the end of the root of the tooth and can be treated with a conventional method. Perhaps there are some teeth with root canals that do not get closed at the end of the tooth and result to an opening called as open apex.
Here the situation is found in the teeth, which are not developed fully. An open apex sets hurdles in the root canal therapy making it difficult to seal it with surgical or routine methods. Endodontists are trained specifically to treat these disorders and perform a method called as Apexification.

What is the goal of Apexification?

The main goal of Apexification is to from a tough fence at the end of a root which allows the root canal to be sealed in a general way. Even though, Apexification is successful, there are some examples in which the root end fences do not form or the resorption procedure continues. It may even require surgical treatment or the removal of the tooth if the situation demands.

What is the course of treatment?

This process is started by reducing the pulp and cleaning the root canals with shaping. After that, a medication is positioned within the root canals and sealed inside with a temporary filling. As this procedure requires a number of dental visits for treatment, you need to follow and achieve a root end wall, as per the situation and get relief from any pain or swollen gums. Yet, the dentist will determine certain intervals which will replace the medication and it varies every 2-4 months.
Finally, when it is resolute that a root end fence has formed, then it means that the root canal therapy is completed, which moves to the next step of taking advice from your dentist to visit for the last restoration.

Authored By Dr.C.M.Bejoy Mony, M.D.S.