When might it be considered?
In selected nonvital teeth with an open root end.
← All explanationsApical plug
What is an apical plug in root-canal treatment?
An apical plug is a deliberately placed material barrier at the end of a root canal. It may be used in selected nonvital teeth with an open root end to provide an endpoint for the remaining canal filling. It is not the same as naturally continued root development.
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An open root end
An immature permanent tooth may have a wide opening at its root tip. If the pulp becomes nonvital, treatment requires specific planning.
Create a material barrier
After the necessary cleaning and disinfection, a suitable material such as MTA may be placed as a barrier. Material and technique are selected for the findings.
Complete the tooth’s restoration
Filling the remaining canal and sealing the tooth with a restoration are further steps. Thin root walls can remain a concern; a plug does not guarantee renewed root development.
Read the full explanation
An open root end
An immature permanent tooth may have a wide opening at its root tip. If the pulp becomes nonvital, treatment requires specific planning.
Create a material barrier
After the necessary cleaning and disinfection, a suitable material such as MTA may be placed as a barrier. Material and technique are selected for the findings.
Complete the tooth’s restoration
Filling the remaining canal and sealing the tooth with a restoration are further steps. Thin root walls can remain a concern; a plug does not guarantee renewed root development.
Notes on the teaching images
- Fictional teaching illustration, not a patient case or treatment result.
At a glance
How does it fit into care?
As part of planned endodontic treatment, not a complete restoration by itself.
What remains important?
Follow-up, a sealed restoration and assessment of remaining root structure.
Knowledge in motion
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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
Apical plug or apexification?
Apexification describes an objective or approach that establishes an apical barrier in a nonvital tooth with an open apex. The plug is a deliberately placed material barrier within such a treatment concept.
Quick answers
Is the plug the entire root filling?
No. It forms a limited barrier at the canal end. The remaining canal and the tooth crown also require appropriate treatment.
Which material is used?
MTA is one example of a barrier material. The appropriate material is selected according to the clinical findings and the chosen procedure.
Will the root automatically continue growing?
No. An artificial apical barrier does not equal continued natural root development. Regenerative procedures follow a different approach and are not suitable in every situation.
At the practice
For the appointment
You can bring this question to your appointment:
Why is a material barrier planned for this open root end, and how will the tooth be restored afterwards?
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
- Open apex
- An incompletely closed opening at the end of a root.
- MTA
- Mineral Trioxide Aggregate: a dental material used for selected applications including certain barriers.
Make the distinction
Apexification describes an objective or approach that establishes an apical barrier in a nonvital tooth with an open apex. The plug is a deliberately placed material barrier within such a treatment concept.
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.