Apexogenesis Procedure in Houston, TX
Traumatic tooth injuries in children often require a procedure known as apexogenesis to preserve the immature tooth and prevent the need for complex treatments and restorations down the road. Dr. Shakiba and her team are committed to providing exceptional care utilizing the latest technology and techniques for the best possible treatment outcomes.
What Is Apexogenesis?
Dr. Shakiba may recommend an apexogenesis procedure to preserve an incompletely developed tooth with damage resulting from excessive decay or traumatic injury. It involves placing medication over the exposed pulp tissue to help prevent infection and to ensure the proper recovery of the compromised tooth. If only a part of the pulp tissue is damaged, Dr. Shakiba can remove it, leaving the healthy tissue intact.
Apexogenesis enables the tip of the root (apex) to close as the child gets older. The root canal, in turn, will thicken, and the tooth will gain strength, decreasing the risk of root fracture, and improving the chances of the tooth's long-term survival. The procedure also helps maintain the vitality of the pulp tissue and allows the affected tooth to heal. A successful apexogenesis procedure can fully preserve a tooth and prevent the need for further endodontic treatment down the road.
What Is the Apexogenesis Procedure?
Dr. Shakiba will perform an oral exam and will capture 3D images of the affected tooth to examine it closely. After administering a local anesthetic to numb the area, she will place a rubber dam over the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. She will make a small opening in the tooth and cover the pupal tissue with a medication called MTA, or mineral trioxide aggregate. The pulpal tissue heals against the MTA, keeping it vital and promoting further maturation of and growth of the tooth.
The success of the process may take 1-2 years, during which Dr. Shakiba will evaluate the tooth every three months. The more mature the root becomes, the better the chances a tooth has for survival. If, however, the pulp inflammation or damage is irreversible, a treatment called apexification may be required. That involves the removal of the diseased pulp and placing medication in the roots of the tooth. The apexification procedure helps stimulate root development and encourages the formation of a hard tissue barrier near the root tip to close off the apex and prevent further inflammation and infection.
Apexogenesis Procedure Near Me
Contact Prime Endodontics in Houston, TX, in the event your child suffers a traumatic tooth injury or has problems with a permanent tooth. Dr. Shakiba will help you determine the best possible endodontic procedure to preserve your child's tooth. We are proud to offer cutting-edge, comfortable care for lasting results.