HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What does the procedure of apexification aim to achieve?

1. Extraction of nonvital teeth

2. Treatment of a nonvital tooth to stimulate closure

3. Root canal filling

4. Reinforcement of tooth enamel

The correct answer is: Treatment of a nonvital tooth to stimulate closure

Apexification is a dental procedure specifically designed to treat nonvital teeth, particularly in cases where the root development has been incomplete or the apex (the tip of the tooth root) is not fully formed. The primary goal of apexification is to facilitate the closure of the root apex in a nonvital tooth, allowing for a more secure foundation for subsequent restorative treatments. During apexification, materials such as calcium hydroxide are placed in the canal of the tooth to stimulate the formation of a calcified barrier at the root's apex. This process can help to create a stable environment which ultimately leads to the closure of the apex, allowing for a successful root canal treatment and filling at a later stage. The other options are related to dental procedures but do not align with the specific objective of apexification. For instance, extracting nonvital teeth is a different approach often taken when the tooth cannot be saved. Root canal filling is a part of the overall treatment process but occurs after apexification has achieved its initial goal. Reinforcing tooth enamel is unrelated to the issue of root development in nonvital teeth. Thus, the focus of apexification on stimulating closure underscores why the second option is the most accurate description of its purpose.