Revascularization Of The Open Apex Specialist
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Robert Scott Nance, D.D.S., M.S., P.A.
Endodontist located in Statesville, NC & Hickory, NC
If you have immature adult teeth with open apexes (root ends) or necrotic tooth tissue, you may need a revascularization treatment to protect and restore your tooth. Robert Scott Nance, DDS, MS, PA, and his team in Statesville and Hickory, North Carolina, provide expert revascularization treatments to restore circulation to your teeth and support healthy tooth root growth. Call Dr. Nance or schedule a consultation online today to learn more about dental revascularization.
Revascularization of the Open Apex Q & A
What is revascularization?
Revascularization is an endodontic procedure that restores blood vessels in and around your tooth roots. This treatment encourages growth and development to support healthy tissue. It’s a regenerative treatment that improves the function of your tooth roots and the nerves and blood vessels within them, reversing the damaging effects of necrosis or an open apex.
Why would I need revascularization treatment?
The two primary reasons you might need a revascularization treatment include immature permanent teeth with open apexes or dental necrosis.
Open apex
The apex of your tooth is the tip of its root, which is embedded in your jaw. Open apexes are common in underdeveloped teeth. For example, children who are just getting their permanent teeth have a higher risk of an open apex. The condition can also develop if the tips of your tooth roots have eroded and opened from a process called resorption.
Necrosis
Dental cavities and infections can worsen and lead to necrosis — the clinical term for tissue death. Pulp necrosis is a leading cause of delayed or stalled tooth root development and tooth loss. You can also develop pulp necrosis after a dental-trauma.
What happens during revascularization?
Whether you have open apex or necrotic revascularization, the treatment usually requires at least two appointments. Dr. Nance provides local anesthesia for all procedures to ensure you stay comfortable. During the first appointment, he uses special dental tools to access the inside of your tooth so he can remove debris, rinse the tooth, and inject antibiotics to get rid of any traces of infection.
At your second appointment, he reopens your tooth and treats the tooth root to increase blood flow. In some cases, he may use platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to boost blood vessel development and circulation.
The increased blood flow encourages and supports tooth develop, which eventually closes the apex of your tooth and reduces your risk of future decay, bone loss, and tooth loss.
How should I take care of my teeth after revascularization?
Dr. Nance provides personalized aftercare instructions after your revascularization treatments and schedules a follow-up appointment to assess the success of your treatment. You might have some temporary swelling, but ice packs should reduce any discomfort. You should continue to brush and floss regularly and attend any follow-up appointments and routine dental check-ups and cleanings.
If you’re looking for expert endodontic or revascularization treatments, call Dr. Nance or make an appointment online today.
