Please note we may not offer these treatments at our offices. Contact our Wilmington dental office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford dental office at (302) 536-7589 to learn more.
A Modern Alternative to Traditional Root Canal Treatment
Our experienced dental team in Wilmington and Seaford created this guide to explain these cutting-edge regenerative endodontics that harness your body’s natural healing power. Contact our Wilmington dental office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford dental office at (302) 536-7589 to discover if you’re a candidate for this revolutionary root canal alternative.
Dr. Paul Brown and Dr. Chris Baran serve patients throughout Wilmington, Seaford, and surrounding Delaware communities with personalized care and advanced treatment options.
What Is Regenerative Endodontics?
Regenerative endodontic therapy (RET) represents a paradigm shift in treating necrotic pulp tissues and immature permanent teeth. Unlike conventional root canal treatment, which simply removes infected tissue, regenerative endodontic procedures actively regenerate the pulp-dentin complex using stem cells, growth factors, and advanced tissue engineering techniques.
This innovative approach places bioactive materials containing dental pulp stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and periodontal ligament stem cells into the root canal space. These materials promote tissue regeneration and continued root development, particularly beneficial for immature teeth with incomplete root formation.
How Regenerative Endodontics Works
The regenerative endodontic treatment process involves removing diseased tissues from the root canal system and introducing specialized materials that encourage stem cell differentiation and tissue engineering. Key components include:
- Dental pulp stem cells from healthy pulp tissues
- Bone marrow stem cells that promote healing
- Growth factors that stimulate tissue differentiation
- Triple antibiotic paste or double antibiotic paste for disinfection
- Biocompatible scaffolds that support newly formed tissue
Why Choose Regenerative Endodontics Over Traditional Root Canal Therapy?
Superior Outcomes for Immature Permanent Teeth
Contemporary regenerative endodontic procedures offer significant advantages over traditional root canal treatment, especially for immature teeth treated with pulp necrosis:
- Enhanced Root Development: Regenerative procedures promote further root development and apical closure, leading to a stronger tooth structure compared to calcium hydroxide apexification treatments.
- Improved Success Rates: Studies demonstrate that regenerative endodontic procedures achieve higher success rates than conventional treatments, particularly in cases involving immature permanent teeth with symptomatic apical periodontitis.
- Natural Tissue Restoration: The treatment creates a functional blood supply and innervated tissue supported by the body’s own healing mechanisms, rather than simply filling the root canal space with artificial materials.
- Reduced Tooth Discoloration: Unlike traditional treatments that may cause tooth discoloration, regenerative approaches maintain natural tooth appearance.
Long-Term Benefits for Patients in Delaware
- Stronger Root Structure: Promotes root length increase and root development in immature permanent teeth
- Reduced Risk of Root Resorption: Natural healing processes minimize root resorption compared to conventional treatments
- Preservation of Natural Dentition: Helps maintain your natural smile longer
- Cost-Effective Solution: Reduces the need for future endodontic surgical procedures or tooth replacement
Am I a Candidate for Regenerative Endodontic Treatment Near Me?
Our Wilmington and Seaford dentists evaluate several factors to determine candidacy for regenerative endodontic therapy:
- Age Requirements: Most effective in patients under 18 when root development is ongoing, though some adults may benefit from treatment.
- Tooth Condition: Best suited for:
- Immature teeth with incomplete root formation
- Teeth with pulpal necrosis but intact coronal structure
- Cases with chronic apical abscess or symptomatic apical periodontitis
- Teeth requiring apical closure and continued root development
- Pulp Tissue Status: Teeth with sufficient apical tissues and endogenous growth factors for stem cell survival and tissue regeneration.
- Overall Health: Patients with healthy immune systems are capable of supporting regenerating tissue and stem cell differentiation.
The Regenerative Endodontic Process
Initial Consultation & Diagnosis
Your dentist near you will perform pulp sensitivity tests and advanced imaging to assess the root canal system and determine if regenerative treatment is appropriate for your specific case.
Disinfection Phase
- Access the root canal space through minimally invasive techniques
- Remove necrotic root canal systems contents and diseased tissues
- Apply triple antibiotic paste or double antibiotic paste for thorough disinfection
- Allow a healing period for the apical tissues preparation
Regenerative Phase
- Introduce growth factors and stem cells into the cleaned root canal space
- Place bioactive materials that promote cell differentiation and tissue engineering
- Seal the access with biocompatible materials to protect newly formed tissue
Monitoring & Follow-up
Regular appointments track tissue regeneration progress and ensure successful apical closure and root development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Regenerative endodontic treatment typically requires two to four appointments over three to six months. The tissue engineering process needs time for stem cells to differentiate and for the newly formed tissue to mature properly.
Traditional root canal treatment removes infected tissue and fills the space with artificial materials. Regenerative procedures use dental pulp stem cells and growth factors to actually regrow pulp tissues and promote continued root development.
While most effective for immature permanent teeth, some adults may benefit from regenerative approaches, particularly when dealing with necrotic root canal systems or root resorption.
Schedule Your Regenerative Endodontics Consultation Today
Don’t let pulp necrosis or incomplete root formation affect your oral health. Our Delaware dentists can evaluate you for a revolutionary root canal alternative.
Ready for root canal treatment? Contact our skilled team at our Wilmington office at (302) 999-7600 or Seaford office at (302) 536-7589. We proudly serve Wilmington, Seaford, Newark, Dover, Middletown, Georgetown, and surrounding Delaware communities with comprehensive dental care.
