The key difference between apexification and apexogenesis is that apexogenesis is a dental procedure where a calcified barrier is encouraged to form over the open apex of the tooth, while apexogenesis is a dental procedure that allows continued root formation and apical closure over the open apex of the tooth by using calcium hydroxide USP and mineral trioxide aggregate.
A normal tooth root is cone-shaped. However, some teeth lack a closed root tip, a condition referred to as having an open apex. An open apex is found in teeth that are not fully developed or whose roots have been eroded away by resorption. These teeth are not fully developed and need to grow and gain strength. Open apex teeth cannot be treated through conventional root canal procedures. They are treated through apexification and apexogenesis.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Apexification
3. What is Apexogenesis
4. Similarities – Apexification and Apexogenesis
5. Apexification vs. Apexogenesis in Tabular Form
6. FAQ – Apexification and Apexogenesis
7. Summary – Apexification vs. Apexogenesis
What is Apexification?
Apexification is a method of dental treatment that induces a calcific barrier in a root with incomplete formation or open apex. The main role of this procedure is restoring the original physiologic structures and functions of the pulp dentin complex. The other purposes of doing this procedure are the elimination of the pulp tissue within a tooth, and the disinfection of the root canal system by using irrigants such as sodium hypochlorite and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.
In this procedure, a material known as calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) will be placed inside the root canal systems to eliminate intracanal infection. It also stimulates calcification and achieves an apical barrier seal at the open apex. The success rate of this procedure ranges from 74 to 100%. This procedure takes months (12 to 18 months) to complete. Furthermore, the drawbacks of this procedure are difficulty and tooth fracture. In addition to that, the cost of this procedure varies from $110.00 to $432.00.
What is Apexogenesis?
Apexogenesis is a method of dental treatment to treat pulp exposure on a tooth with an open apex by using calcium hydroxide USP and mineral trioxide aggregate. It is a vital pulp therapy that treats an injured or immature permanent tooth.
This procedure facilitates continued root formation and apical closure. During this procedure, the exposed pulpal tissue will be covered by using calcium hydroxide USP and mineral trioxide aggregate. This will ultimately allow the pulp to heal, preserving tooth vitality and encouraging the tooth to mature. Furthermore, drawbacks of this procedure may include tooth discoloration, procedure failure, and post-procedure discoloration. In addition to that, this treatment takes 24 months to fully complete and it costs around $300.00.
What are the Similarities Between Apexification and Apexogenesis?
- Apexification and apexogenesis are two dental treatments over the open apex of a tooth.
- Both treatments can be used for immature permanent teeth.
- They are cost-effective.
- Both treatments have drawbacks.
What is the Difference Between Apexification and Apexogenesis?
Apexogenesis is a dental procedure where a calcified barrier is encouraged to form over the open apex of the tooth, while apexogenesis is a dental procedure that allows continued root formation and apical closure over the open apex of the tooth by using calcium hydroxide USP and mineral trioxide aggregate. Thus, this is the key difference between apexification and apexogenesis. Furthermore, apexification is recommended if a tooth has an open apex and the pulp inside the tooth is dead or infected, while apexogenesis is recommended for young, immature teeth when the pulp is still alive.
The infographic below presents the differences between apexification and apexogenesis in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
FAQ: Apexification and Apexogenesis
What material is used for apexogenesis?
Calcium hydroxide (CaOH) is the material used for apexogenesis.
When is apexogenesis done?
If a child experiences an injury and the pulp of an immature tooth is damaged, apexogenesis can be done to encourage continued root development.
What is a complication of apexification?
The risk of tooth fracture and infection is a major complication of apexification.
Summary – Apexification vs. Apexogenesis
Apexification and apexogenesis are two endodontic procedures to treat an open apex of a tooth. In apexification, a calcified barrier is encouraged to form over the open apex of the tooth while apexogenesis allows continued root formation and apical closure over the open apex of the tooth by using calcium hydroxide USP and mineral trioxide aggregate. Moreover, apexification is recommended if a tooth has an open apex and the pulp inside the tooth is dead or infected, while apexogenesis is recommended for young, immature teeth when the pulp is still alive. So, this summarizes the difference between apexification and apexogenesis.
Reference:
1. M, Rafter. “Apexification: A Review.” Dental Traumatology : Official Publication of International Association for Dental Traumatology, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. “Apexogenesis.” Dental Care at Ibis | West Palm Beach, Florida.
Image Courtesy:
1. “A Man at the Dentist’s” (CC0) via Pexels