How Can Revascularization for the Open Apex Help Restore My Tooth?

A severely infected or diseased tooth causes all sorts of unpleasant symptoms, such as swollen gums, intense sensitivity to temperature, and throbbing pain. Because of this, you may welcome the relief that a root canal brings. 

During a root canal, the infected and inflamed nerves and blood vessels (tooth pulp) from inside the tooth root are removed. Then, your tooth is filled with protective dental materials and sealed shut to prevent further damage or infection. 

However, in some cases, tooth roots can get infected or inflamed because of an underdeveloped tooth root. If a tooth root is open at the tip (apex), it provides the perfect place for bacteria to enter and wreak havoc on your delicate tooth pulp. 

Unfortunately, when the tooth apex is open, a root canal is more difficult because the dental filling would just fall out the bottom. Traditionally, in these cases, apexification is done before a root canal to seal the bottom of the tooth. 

At his practices in Statesville and Hickory, North Carolina, endodontist Robert Scott Nance, DDS, MS, and our team take an innovative and advanced approach to diseased teeth with an open apex, referred to as pulp revascularization. Here’s what you need to know about this cutting-edge procedure.

Why does your tooth have an open apex?

An underdeveloped tooth root can happen for many reasons. Most commonly, it’s simply because your tooth hasn’t finished developing. When your permanent teeth emerge through your gum line, the tooth apex is still open. It takes three years for it to close, leaving it vulnerable to infection during that time. 

Another cause for an open apex is something called resorption. Dental resorption happens when portions of your tooth wear away. It can occur due to mouth injuries that cause bone and tissue loss, prolonged use of orthodontic appliances, teeth grinding, or untreated cavities.

If you have an infected tooth or a severe cavity that goes untreated for too long, a condition known as pulp necrosis can occur. Pulp necrosis means “nerve death” and happens when the infectious bacteria kill the nerves and blood vessels in your tooth. This condition can stunt the growth of your tooth root.

What happens during pulp revascularization?

Pulp revascularization is still a fairly new procedure and is best done in the hands of an expert endodontist such as Dr. Nance. 

The process requires two appointments. During the first, Dr. Nance removes the infected, inflamed, or damaged tooth pulp. He also thoroughly cleans the tooth before injecting an antibiotic to fight any traces of the infection. 

At the second appointment, Dr. Nance reopens your tooth to place periodontal stem cells that generate brand-new connective tissues. He may also use platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to encourage exponential cell regeneration and increased blood flow. 

The new cell and tissue growth closes the open apex without needing dental sealing materials, restoring your tooth to its full health and functionality.

To learn more about how pulp revascularization can save your tooth without needing apexification, schedule a consultation with Dr. Nance by calling your nearest office today.