Apexification

What is apexification?

Apexification is a procedure performed by dentists to close an open tooth root, which may happen if the tooth root has not formed completely, for example. This is mainly due to childhood trauma or tooth decay, which forms a pulp necrosis (pulpitis).

This procedure is called apexification because it refers to the part of the tooth known as the apex, which is the base of a tooth root. The tooth root is what contains blood vessels and nerve fibres which keeps the tooth alive.

Why is it done?

Apexification is performed if the apex of a tooth is open, which may occur if the tooth has been injured, has died or if a cavity has reached the tooth’s nerve. This procedure will often be required if the same patient requires other endodontic treatment, such as a root canal procedure. This is because if the end of the root (apex) remains open then complete sealing of the canal with the usual dental materials cannot be achieved.

What does apexification consist of?

Apexification is carried out in the dental clinic with local anaesthetic. First, the root is cleaned and the end of the root canal is sealed with a calcified barrier. Sometimes revision treatment may be needed, but usually an open tooth root will be easily sealed. The calcified barrier is visible under X-ray.