For every tooth?
No; mainly immature permanent teeth with non-vital pulp.
← All explanationsApexification
How can an open root tip be managed after pulp death?
Apexification promotes a barrier at the open root end of an immature permanent tooth with a necrotic pulp. A related approach creates the closure with an apical material plug. This supports subsequent root filling but does not replace normal root development.
For training & practice ↓
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The root is immature
If pulp dies before root formation finishes, a wide opening and thin root walls may remain. Disease and the tooth’s suitability for preservation are assessed first.
Create an appropriate closure
Following cleaning and disinfection, closure is achieved through induced hard-tissue formation or a suitable calcium silicate cement plug. The approach is chosen individually.
Restore and follow up
Further root filling, a well-sealed restoration and follow-up form part of treatment. An apical plug does not automatically make thin root walls continue growing.
Read the full explanation
The root is immature
If pulp dies before root formation finishes, a wide opening and thin root walls may remain. Disease and the tooth’s suitability for preservation are assessed first.
Create an appropriate closure
Following cleaning and disinfection, closure is achieved through induced hard-tissue formation or a suitable calcium silicate cement plug. The approach is chosen individually.
Restore and follow up
Further root filling, a well-sealed restoration and follow-up form part of treatment. An apical plug does not automatically make thin root walls continue growing.
Notes on the teaching images
- Open root end · immature tooth model
- Root ends above · two closure concepts
- Same alternatives · further restoration needed
At a glance
Is a brand name necessary?
No; the approach and suitability matter.
Follow-up?
Clinical assessment and imaging according to the plan.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.
Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available as text.
Often confused
A barrier is not root maturation
Closure supports root filling. Whether a root gains length or wall thickness is a separate question.
Quick answers
Is it an apicectomy?
No. Apicectomy surgically removes part of a root tip. Here the aim is closure at an open root end.
How does it differ from apexogenesis?
Apexogenesis is continued root development with a living pulp. Apexification concerns a tooth with non-vital pulp.
Is revitalization always better?
No. It is another option for selected immature teeth, aiming at further tissue development. Evidence comparing tooth survival and treatment success between approaches is of low certainty. Results vary; a completely new pulp or completed root maturation cannot be promised.
At the practice
For the appointment
You can bring this question to your appointment:
Which barrier or alternative fits the root development, and how will the tooth be monitored?
An examination can clarify the finding and any need for referral.
Arrange an assessmentAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Apex
- The root tip of a tooth.
- Apical plug
- A deliberately placed material barrier at an open root end.
Make the distinction
Closure supports root filling. Whether a root gains length or wall thickness is a separate question.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.