What is apexification

Modified Apexification

• The purpose of modified apexification is to promote the formation of a calcified barrier in the root canal to facilitate further root development and maturation in immature teeth.

Techniques

• Modified apexification involves the use of a thin paste of calcium hydroxide or MTA (mineral trioxide aggregate) to stimulate the formation of a calcified barrier.

Indications

• Modified apexification is commonly used for treating immature permanent teeth, particularly those with open apices.

Benefits

• Modified apexification helps in managing immature teeth by promoting the formation of a calcified barrier, which allows for further root development and maturation.

Goals

• The ultimate goal of apexification is to achieve a complete root formation and a closed apex.

Anatomy

• The term 'apical papilla' refers to the tissue at the apex of the tooth that is responsible for root development and maturation.

Importance

• It is crucial to achieve apexification in immature teeth because an open apex can compromise the tooth's structural integrity and make it prone to fracture.

Objectives

• The primary objective of apexification is to stimulate the formation of a calcified barrier in the root canal, which enables further root development and maturation.

Challenges

• Achieving apexification can be challenging in some cases, particularly when the apical papilla is compromised or damaged.

Drawbacks

• A potential drawback of traditional apexification as a treatment approach is that it may not always stimulate the formation of a calcified barrier, leading to incomplete root formation.