Apexification

Article summary

Apexification is a method of dental treatment to induce a calcific barrier in a root with incomplete formation or open apex of a tooth with necrotic pulp. Pulpal involvement usually occurs as a consequence of trauma or caries involvement of young or immature permanent teeth. As a sequelae of untreated pulp involvement, loss of pulp vitality or necrotic pulp took place for the involved teeth. The main purpose of apexification includes restoring the original physiologic structures and functions of the pulp-dentin complex of the teeth. In addition to that, the elimination of the pulp tissue within a tooth, the disinfection of root canal system by using irrigants such as sodium hypochlorite and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid are the necessary steps to ensure that the purpose of apexification is being met. The apexification procedure will normally requires several monthly appointments or follow-ups to observe any calcific changes induced at the apex of tooth concerned. In these visits, a material known as calcium hydroxide ( Ca(OH) 2 ) will be placed inside the root canal systems to eliminate intracanal infection, stimulates calcification and achieves apical barrier seal at the apex of tooth root. The success rate of applying the traditionally used calcium hydroxide to induce calcific barrier is between 74%-100%.…

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