HOSA Dental Terminology Test 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Apexogenesis refers specifically to a dental procedure aimed at encouraging the continued development and maturation of a tooth's root while maintaining the vitality of the pulp. In particular, it often involves a pulpotomy, which is the partial removal of the pulp tissue to manage an infection or damage while leaving the remaining pulp healthy. This approach is crucial in young patients, especially with immature teeth, as it helps to preserve the tooth’s potential for further growth and development while promoting healing.

In contrast, other options like the removal of soft tissue, root canal treatment, and tooth extraction represent different dental procedures that do not align with the primary goal of apexogenesis, which is to maintain pulp vitality rather than eliminate it. Understanding apexogenesis is significant for providing treatments that aim to preserve teeth, particularly in cases where the pulp may be compromised but there’s still potential for recovery and growth.