Regenerative Endodontics in Medina

Regenerative endodontic procedures are an exciting new option for patients with damaged tooth pulp. It is a biologically based procedure developed to replace a damaged tooth’s root structures, dentin, and pulp. The goal is to restore normal pulp function and avoid having to remove the pulp. Regenerative endodontic treatment may help the patient avoid the need for a root canal by saving the pulp’s health and viability.

Regenerative endodontics allows us to place bioactive materials (like MTA) that encourage the growth of live tissue in the space instead of filling the pulp canal space with inert material. This encourages new tissue growth and restores a healthy, new dentin-pulp complex. Regeneration of the pulp is particularly essential to preserve the proper development of immature permanent teeth in children and teens. This procedure has also been successful in fully mature teeth.

Vital Pulp Therapy

A vital tooth contains pulp that is still living but has been damaged. If the damage or decay is not too severe, the pulp can be saved using vital pulp therapy. Several factors contribute to successful vital pulp therapy, including an adequate blood supply in the tooth and healthy surrounding tissues. Dr. El-Refai also evaluates the damaged tooth to determine whether it has normal apical tissues that are not overly sensitive to determine whether pulp therapy is the appropriate treatment. Dr. El-Refai can help patients avoid a root canal and preserve a healthy, living tooth by saving the living pulp. It is essential to understand that if vital pulp therapy fails in the future, a root canal may still be needed.

Revascularization

Revascularization is a form of regenerative endodontics performed on immature teeth with necrotic (dead) pulp tissue. Because immature teeth are thinner, smaller, and have shorter root systems, they are more likely to develop necrotic tissue. Preserving the tooth and healthy dental pulp allows the tooth to mature and grow appropriate roots to maintain the tooth’s place in the mouth and avoid the need for extraction. This procedure usually requires at least 2 appointments and consistent follow-up visits to ensure pulp vitality.

How Does Regenerative Endodontics Work?

Once the damaged or decayed area of the tooth is removed, the pulp canal space is disinfected & bioactive material is placed using strict guidelines to help encourage bleeding form the tissues surrounding the root in necrotic cases & control bleeding in vital cases. The blood will bring stem cells into the pulp canal space which together with the enhanced release of growth factors will create a scaffold for new pulp tissue to grow. We seal the tooth to prevent contamination and give the pulp a chance to grow and establish itself. This procedure takes 18-24 months to start showing signs of pulp vitality. In some cases, the regenerative procedure is not successful & other treatments could be needed like non-surgical &/or surgical root canal treatment.

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What are the Advantages of Regenerative Endodontics?

• Allow further development of root structure
• Protects the root against fracture
• Strengthens the dentinal walls
• Saves the tooth from necrosis
• Preserves jawbone development, particularly in immature teeth
• It is a biological solution preserving the health of the tooth.

Preserving permanent teeth damaged by trauma or disease is particularly important for children and young adults. Regenerative endodontics ensures these teeth continue to mature and grow stronger so they can last a lifetime. Dr. El-Refai is one of the few endodontists in Medina and the surrounding areas skilled in regenerative endodontics.

If you are interested in regenerative endodontics’ benefits, please get in touch with our office at Nivine Y. El-Refai, BDS, DDS, MSD, Inc. office Phone Number 330-721-1350 to schedule a consultation.

• Click here to access the Considerations for Regenerative Procedures.