What Is Regenerative Endodontics?

Regenerative endodontics is a cutting edge treatment for conditions affecting the root canal of a tooth. The term regeneration essentially means new growth, specifically new tissue growth that results in healing of damaged or deteriorated tissue. Regenerative endodontics targets the root canal of a tooth to encourage new growth of root tissue in teeth with underdeveloped roots.

How Does Regenerative Endodontics Work?

Regenerative endodontics works in a few different ways: 

• Stem cells. Non-specific types of cells called stem cells are beneficial for their ability to divide and produce more cells. The cells produced by stem cells are specific cell types that the targeted area needs in order to heal and regenerate. 

• Scaffolding. Similar to the apparatus used in construction to support a structure that is being built or repaired, scaffolding is also used in endodontics to provide support for the tissue that is being regenerated. Endodontic scaffolding is applied to the inside of the tooth in the root canal. 
• Growth factors. Proteins called growth factors bind to the cells to signal the production of the desired type of cell needed for regeneration. 

Together these three aspects of endodontic regeneration treatment encourage regrowth of tissue in and surrounding the root canal of a tooth to strengthen it and help it to mature. 

What Endodontic Conditions Can it Treat?

Endodontic regeneration may be used to treat the following: 

• Underdeveloped roots. When a permanent tooth fails to mature, the roots will be underdeveloped, resulting in shortened roots and limited root canal chambers. Endodontic regeneration encourages the roots to grow and develop as they should. 

• Pulpal necrosis. Damage, infection, or lack of blood supply to the dental pulp can cause death of the tissue, or pulpal necrosis. Endodontic regeneration can encourage new growth of dental pulp in the tooth. 

• Repeat pulp infection. When a tooth becomes reinfected after having root canal therapy, endodontic regeneration can remove the infection and encourage the tooth to grow stronger to prevent further infection. 

How Effective is Regenerative Endodontics?

Although this method of treatment is still relatively new, studies have shown positive outcomes for patients with conditions affecting the root canal and dental pulp of one or more teeth. When a tooth has been treated repeatedly without success, regeneration may be the solution that will save the tooth. Regenerative strategies are often used in endodontic retreatment to strengthen the walls of the root canal to prevent bacteria contamination that can lead to reinfection. 

How Does Endodontic Regeneration Differ From Root Canal Therapy?

The traditional root canal procedure involves removing the dental pulp from the inside of the tooth and replacing it with a filler material that preserves the tooth. In endodontic regeneration, the filler material is specifically designed to encourage regrowth of the dentin. It may include a combination of stem cells, scaffolding, and growth factors that fortify the tooth structure. 

Elite Endodontics of NH Provides Regenerative Therapy 

Regenerative endodontics is an advanced therapy we are proud to offer to save teeth that may otherwise need to be extracted. We believe in the benefits of regenerative therapy for teeth with underdeveloped roots that lead to the breakdown of the dentin and pulp. Our goal is to provide treatment that can save your natural teeth and help them remain in place for your lifetime. 

To learn more, call 603-882-5455 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.