Apexification

Apexification is a dental procedure used to treat immature permanent teeth that have lost their vitality. Immature teeth have an open apex, meaning the root has not fully formed. This open apex is a weak point and can lead to complications if the pulp (nerve) within the tooth becomes infected or necrotic. The goal of apexification is to create a barrier at the end of the root canal, allowing the tooth to be sealed and preventing further infection.

The process typically involves cleaning and disinfecting the root canal system. Once the canals are clean, a special material is placed inside. Calcium hydroxide has historically been the material of choice, as it is believed to promote the formation of a calcified barrier, known as an apical barrier, at the root's opening. This material is usually placed, and a temporary filling is put in place. The patient is then recalled after a period, typically several months, to assess the progress. If a satisfactory barrier has formed, the root canal can then be filled permanently.

In some cases, other materials like mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) may be used, which can sometimes lead to faster healing and a more predictable barrier formation. Apexification is a crucial treatment to preserve immature teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted.