Procedures

• Non-Surgical Root Canal Therapy
• Endodontic Retreatment
• Root Canal Surgery / Apicoectomy
• Cracked Teeth
• Traumatic Injuries
• Injuries in Children
• Advanced Technology

Injuries In Children

An injured immature tooth poses more challenges than a fully developed tooth. One of the major functions of the pulp (nerve) is the formation of the root. When the tooth is damaged, root development may be hindered. Immature teeth are often weaker and more difficult to seal; however, one of the following three procedures may improve the chances of saving the tooth:

Apexogenesis

This endodontic technique encourages the root to continue developing as it helps heal the pulp. The injured soft tissue is covered with a medication to encourage further root growth. The root end (apex) continues to close, and the walls of the root canal thicken. Success rate is based on the maturity of the root development at the time of injury and the extent of pulpal damage. If the pulp heals, no additional endodontic treatment may be necessary. However, apexogenesis is not always successful and a different procedure, called apexification, may need to be performed.

Apexification

When the pulp is non-vital (dead), there is no tissue to continue root development. The function of apexification is to close the root end (apex) to allow for a proper seal of the root canal. Dr. Sahni will perform a root canal and place a medication to close the root tip. The walls of the root canal will not continue to develop and the tooth may be more prone to fracture. Proper restoration will minimize this possibility and maximize protection of your tooth; therefore it is important to schedule the appropriate appointments with your general dentist following endodontic treatment.

Revascularization

When the pulp tissue is non-vital and the root canal walls are very thin, Dr. Sahni may be able to use this new technique to allow for continued root development after the loss of a permanent tooth in a child. As in apexogenesis, a medicated filling will be placed in the top portion of the root. In addition, the stem cells from the periodontal ligament (tiny ligament around the root surface) are used to stimulate root development.

Dr. Sahni will determine which of the three techniques is best for your child's specific case.