What is Pulpal Regeneration?

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Pulpal regeneration is part of regenerative endodontics that uses tissue engineering to treat underdeveloped roots and surrounding tissue in young patients where the tooth roots are still forming. This procedure restores the root canals to a healthy state.

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Combining the work endodontists do in dental trauma, pulp biology, and tissue engineering, regenerative endodontics targets immature teeth vulnerable to necrosis (dying off).

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Using tissue engineering and stem cells, endodontists treat the permanent necrotic tooth, restoring the tooth’s growth so that the root can continue to develop. The regenerated tooth will form thicker walls, making it less prone to fracture and restoring the patient’s natural tooth.

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Who is a candidate for Pulpal Regeneration?

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Regenerative endodontics works to save necrotic immature teeth, making most patients 6-14 years old. The procedure restores permanent teeth, and different teeth emerge from the gums at different ages.

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For the first year or two, all newly emerged teeth are considered immature and not fully developed in their roots. During the tooth’s immature or formative stages, it can become necrotic (parts of the tooth’s tissue can die), causing damage to the tooth’s root that was previously irreversible.

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Necrotic teeth are usually first infected by uncontrolled decay or after trauma.

Patients who experience infected teeth should see a dentist immediately to determine if regenerative endodontics could be used to save their teeth.

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A regenerative endodontics procedure works on any permanent tooth whose growth during the first year or two after erupting from the gums has been halted by decay or trauma.

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After the procedure, several follow-up visits with your child’s endodontist will be needed to monitor the tooth for recovery and possible infection.

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