How Does Regenerative Endodontics Work?

Regenerative endodontics is a cutting edge strategy used to encourage growth and development of oral tissues. The field of endodontics, especially pediatric endodontics, is being revolutionized by regenerative medicine, and patients are reaping the benefits. 

What exactly is regenerative endodontics and how does it work? Here’s an overview.

What is Endodontics? 

Endodontics is the field of dentistry that focuses primarily on the health of the teeth from the inside. The root canal is the inner chamber of a tooth that begins at the base of the crown and extends down into the roots. It contains the dental pulp, soft tissue made up of blood vessels and nerves that are integral in the development of a tooth. When the health of a tooth is threatened due to damage to the dental pulp or root canal, an endodontist provides treatment with the goal of saving the tooth. 

What is Regenerative Endodontics? 

The term regeneration means regrowth, renewal, or restoration. When combined with endodontics it refers to the regeneration of oral tissues, primarily the teeth and roots. Regenerative endodontics encourages the growth and development of damaged or underdeveloped teeth. 

Regenerative Endodontic Procedures 

Regenerative pulp therapy is the process of engineering tissue to encourage proper development of the tooth roots and root canal. Patients with immature or underdeveloped tooth roots can receive endodontic treatment that will encourage the tooth roots to continue growing and reach full maturity. 

Benefits of Regenerative Endodontics 

Regenerative endodontics offers many benefits: 

• Save the natural teeth. Before regenerative endodontics, teeth with underdeveloped roots had to be extracted and replaced. But with regenerative procedures the roots can develop properly so that the natural teeth can be saved. 
• Reduced risk of infection. Underdeveloped roots are weak and thin, putting them at an increased risk of infection. Regenerative endodontics can encourage proper growth that makes the roots more resilient and resistant to infection. 
• Avoid costly dental prosthetics. By saving the natural teeth with regenerative endodontics, you avoid having to replace those teeth with costly dental prosthetics. 
• Provide better support for the teeth. Fully developed roots after regenerative endodontic procedures provide more secure support for the teeth. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Regenerative Endodontics

What is the success rate of regenerative endodontics? 

Reported success rates range anywhere from 50-98%. The success of any endodontic procedure depends on a variety of factors from the experience level of the endodontist to the patient’s compliance with suggested after care instructions. 

Does insurance cover regenerative endodontics? 

Dental insurance may not cover regenerative endodontics as it is still a relatively new concept. However, the cost of regenerative endodontics without insurance is often less than the cost of replacement teeth. 

Are You a Candidate for Regenerative Endodontics? 

You may be wondering if regenerative endodontics is a viable option for you. You may not know if the roots of your teeth are in need of treatment until you’ve had an evaluation. Elite Endodontics of NH provides regenerative treatment for teeth that need further development. Regenerative endodontics is most effective for children under the age of 18 when the teeth are still developing. However, some treatments have been shown to provide benefits for adults as well. This cutting edge treatment is extremely advanced and our highly qualified, board certified endodontists have the expertise necessary to provide it. 

To learn more, contact us today and schedule an appointment.