Regenerative Endodontics
Regenerative endodontics encourages the body to regenerate pulp-like tissue inside an immature permanent tooth, allowing the root to continue developing instead of being permanently arrested. It is reserved for young permanent teeth — typically 7- to 16-year-olds — where the root is not yet fully formed and traditional root canal therapy would lock the root at its current short, fragile length.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Hope Feldman · Diplomate, American Board of Endodontics
Last reviewed May 5, 2026 · NPI 1275089088
When you need regenerative
These are the most common reasons regenerative is recommended. If you recognize any of these signs, call the office. We hold time daily for urgent endodontic care.
- A young permanent tooth with an open apex and pulp damage
- Trauma to a permanent front tooth in a child or teen
- Severe decay reaching the pulp of a still-developing molar
- A tooth where conventional root canal therapy would compromise long-term root strength
How regenerative works at Hope Endodontics
- 1
Diagnosis
Confirm the tooth is a candidate based on age, root maturity, and pulp status.
- 2
First visit: disinfection
Clean the canal of infection and place an antibiotic medicament.
- 3
Wait period
Two to four weeks for the canal to settle.
- 4
Second visit: blood-clot scaffold
Induce mild bleeding from the apex to fill the canal with a blood-clot scaffold.
- 5
Bioceramic seal
A bioceramic plug seals the access; tissue regenerates over months.
- 6
Long-term follow-up
Imaging at 6, 12, and 24 months to confirm root development continues.
The technology behind every appointment
- CBCT 3D imaging to confirm root maturity
- Triple-antibiotic intracanal medicament
- Bioceramic apical and access plugs
- Regenerative protocol per AAE guidelines
Typical cost
Estimates only. Actual fees depend on your insurance plan, the complexity of the tooth, and any additional restoration work. We provide a written estimate before treatment so there are no surprises.
| Item | Estimated range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regenerative endodontic procedure (two visits) | $1,400–$2,000 | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is regenerative endodontics the same as a root canal?
- No. A traditional root canal removes the entire pulp and fills the canal with a rubber-like material. Regenerative endodontics keeps the canal open for biologic tissue to grow back, which lets the root continue developing — only appropriate for young, immature permanent teeth.
- Who is a candidate?
- Children and teens with an immature permanent tooth (typically 7–16 years old) where the root is not yet fully formed. Adults with mature roots are not candidates and instead receive conventional root canal therapy.
- How long until I know it worked?
- Imaging at 6, 12, and 24 months tracks root development and apical closure. Many regenerative cases show clear root lengthening within the first year. Pulp sensation rarely returns, but the tooth remains functional and continues to develop.
- How does this compare to apexification?
- Apexification is the older alternative — placing a barrier at the open apex with calcium hydroxide or MTA, but it does not regenerate tissue. Regenerative endodontics is preferred when the case allows, because the root continues to grow and strengthen.
Explore other endodontic services
Root Canal Therapy
Relieve pain and save your natural tooth with microscope-guided root canal therapy.
Apicoectomy
Microscope-guided surgical removal of infected tissue at the root tip when conventional retreatment is not an option.
Sedation Endodontics
Nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation options for anxious patients and longer treatments.
Pediatric Endodontics
Pulpotomy, pulpectomy, and vital pulp therapy for children and teens, with age-appropriate behavioral guidance.
Dental Trauma Care
Same-day evaluation and treatment for knocked-out, fractured, displaced, or split teeth — minutes matter.
Endodontic Retreatment
When a prior root canal hasn't healed, CBCT-guided retreatment gives your tooth a second chance.
Endodontic Microsurgery
Apicoectomy removes persistent infection at the root tip and preserves your natural tooth.
Cracked Tooth Care
Specialist diagnosis and treatment for cracked, fractured, or split teeth before they worsen.
CBCT 3D Imaging
High-resolution 3D scans for precise diagnosis and conservative treatment planning.
Emergency Endodontist
Same-day appointments for severe tooth pain, infection, and dental trauma.
Endodontic Second Opinions
Independent specialist review before you commit to a root canal or extraction.
References
- American Association of Endodontists. aae.org
- American Board of Endodontics. aae.org/about/abe
- NIH National Library of Medicine. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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