Outcome of full pulpotomy using Biodentine in adult patients with symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis

Outcomes of partial pulpotomy in permanent molars of children with irreversible pulpitis: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Vital pulp therapy is gaining traction in dental practice, especially for young patients.

AIM

To evaluate the outcomes of partial pulpotomy in permanent molars of children diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis (IP) using iRoot BP Plus.

DESIGN

A total of 94 permanent molars in 88 patients, aged 6-15 years, with symptoms of IP, were treated with partial pulpotomy, using iRoot BP Plus as the pulp capping agent. The treated teeth underwent clinical and radiographic assessments at 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months postoperative. The outcomes were determined based on clinical and radiographic criteria by calibrated examiners.

RESULTS

The success rates were 98.4% (63/64), 93.2% (41/44), and 89.7% (26/29) at the 6-month, 12-month, and 24-month follow-up. By the end of this study, the median follow-up period was 15.1 months, and the estimated survival rate was 95.2% at 24 months. Gender, root maturity, and number of missing walls had no significant effect on success rates. Six molars were failed, and root canal therapy (RCT) was applied.

CONCLUSIONS

Partial pulpotomy for permanent molars with IP in young patients using iRoot BP Plus as pulp capping material achieved high success. This method presents a viable alternative to apexification and RCT for treating vital, inflamed molars with IP in children.

Teeth with vital pulps and stage III periodontitis unresponsive to therapy exhibit a pulpal inflammatory profile similar to symptomatic irreversible pulpitis

AIM

The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of inflammatory biomarkers (TNF-α, IL-10, IL-1β) and the pulpitis-associated miRNA (miR-30a-5p and miR-128-3p) in pulp tissue samples from unrestored teeth with a vital normal pulp (NP), teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (IP) and in unrestored teeth with periodontal disease, unresponsive to periodontal therapy, and a vital pulp (EP).

METHODOLOGY

Thirty patients were included in this observational study (10 teeth with NP, 10 teeth with IP, 10 teeth with EP). Dental pulp tissues samples were collected from patients during root canal treatment (RCT). RNA was extracted and qRT-PCR of target genes (tumour necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-10) and miRNAs (has-miR-30a-5p, has-miR-128-3p) performed to assess the expression profile. Fold-change in expression was calculated using the formula 2-(ΔCt(Exp)-ΔCt(Ctrl)). One-way anova with post-hoc Tukey's was used to determine significant differences between groups. The significance level was set at 5% (p < .05). All teeth were also followed up clinically for 1 year and evaluated for a range of endodontic and periodontal-related outcomes.

RESULTS

All investigated genes significantly increased in expression and miRNAs significantly decreased in expression in the IP and EP groups compared with the NP group (p < .05). With regards to TNF-α and IL-1β there were no significant differences in expression between the IP and EP groups (p > .05), whereas IL-10 expression levels were significantly reduced in the EP compared with the IP group (p < .05). Both miR-30a-5p and miR-128-3p showed significantly reduced expression in both IP and EP lesions, compared with NP (p < .05); however, no significant differences in miRNA expression were observed between IP and EP groups (p > .05). One year after root canal treatment and periodontal maintenance, tooth mobility and probing depth were significantly reduced in the EP group (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

Pulp tissues from teeth with IP and EP presented similar levels of altered inflammatory markers compared with NP. TNF-α, IL-10, IL-1β cytokines and miRNAs (miR-30a-5p and miR-128-3p) are potential objective biomarkers to indicate pulpal inflammatory status, aiding diagnosis and directing clinical decision-making. RCT may be beneficial to improve stage III periodontitis unresponsive to non-surgical periodontal treatment, but further research is required.

Color stability and solubility of Biodentine and NeoPutty in contact with different irrigation solutions

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the color stability and solubility of Biodentine and NeoPutty in contact with different irrigation solutions.

Materials and Methods

Biodentine and NeoPutty were set in cylindrical molds with 7 mm diameter and 1.5 mm high and immersed in distilled water, 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), 9% 1-hydroxyethylidene 1,1-diphosphonate (HEDP), and 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solutions for 24 hours. The color change was measured with a spectrophotometer. The solubility values were calculated as the mass loss was expressed as a percentage of the original mass using an analytical balance with 10-4 g accuracy. Data were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis followed by Mann-Whitney U tests, and 2-way analysis of variance test followed by Bonferroni corrections for pairwise comparisons for solubility and color stability with a 5% significance threshold, respectively.

Results

Biodentine exhibited higher color changes compared to the NeoPutty contact with all solutions except distilled water (p < 0.05). Both hydraulic cements (HCs) showed higher discoloration values immersion in CHX followed by NaOCl. No statistically significant difference was found between Biodentine and NeoPutty regardless of irrigation solution in terms of solubility (p > 0.05). Solubility values were lower in the distilled water group compared to EDTA and CHX (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Tested HCs showed solubility and color changes at various rates. NeoPutty could be an appropriate material in aesthetic areas. The usage of HEDP as an irrigant solution can be considered suitable for various endodontic treatments due to its relatively lower solubility and discoloration values.

Elective full pulpotomy in mature permanent teeth diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: a two years retrospective study

AIM

To investigate the outcome of elective full pulpotomy, using calcium silicate-based cements (CSBC), after 2 years, in symptomatic mature permanent teeth with carious lesions, diagnosed as irreversible pulpitis, and analyse the capacity of Wolters et al. (2017) classification to predict the likelihood of treatment failure.

METHODS

The treatment records of 56 patients with symptomatic mature teeth with carious lesions, diagnosed as irreversible pulpitis and treated by elective full pulpotomy, using CSBCs as pulp capping materials, were reviewed. Thirteen teeth were excluded. The remaining 43 teeth were evaluated retrospectively at 24 months. Fisher`s exact test with the Lancaster's mid-P adjustment was used to assess different outcomes amongst the diagnostic categories.

RESULTS

Four of the cases failed before 24 months and required root canal treatment (RCT). Overall success rate at 2 years was 90.7% (39 of 43). An inverse, but non-significant, correlation was observed between the severity of pulpitis according to the Wolters classification and the treatment success rate (p > 0.05). The type of CSBC used was associated to the success rate (OR = 10.5; 95% C.I. = 0.5 - 207.4; p = 0.027), being 82% with Endosequence and 100% with Biodentine. Postoperative pain associated significantly to lower success rate (66.7%) (Odds ratio = 8.0; 95% C.I. = 0.7 - 95.9; p = 0.047).

CONCLUSIONS

Elective full pulpotomy using a CSBC was a successful choice for the treatment of mature permanent teeth with symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis. There were no significant differences between the success rate of mild, moderate and severe pulpitis. Postoperative pain could be considered a risk marker for failure of full pulpotomy. The term "irreversible pulpitis" should be re-signified to indicate the need for access to the pulp chamber, rather than an indication for extraction or RCT.

Efficacy of pulpotomy for permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

This meta-analysis aims to assess the success rate of pulpotomy in the treatment of permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure and to compare the efficacy of different capping materials. Randomized controlled trials were searched in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Clinicaltrial.gov, and Cochrane Library until August 31, 2023. The pooled success rate was estimated in the overall population and in subgroups. Additional analyses comparing different capping materials using odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were performed. The certainty of evidence was graded using the GRADE approach. A total of 25 randomized trials with an average follow-up duration ≥ 12 months were finally included. The overall success rate of pulpotomy was 86.7% (95%CI: 82.0-90.7%). The success rate was not significantly affected by root development, pulpotomy type, and follow-up duration. Teeth with irreversible pulpitis had a relatively lower success rate than teeth with normal pulp or reversible pulpitis (82.4% [95%CI: 74.6-89.0%] vs 92.0% [95%CI: 87.9-95.4%], P = 0.013). Directly compared to conventional calcium hydroxide, mineral trioxide aggregate (88.2% vs 79.1%, OR = 2.41, 95%CI: 1.28-4.51, P = 0.006) and Biodentine (97.5% vs 82.9%, OR = 6.03, 95%CI: 0.97-37.6, P = 0.054) had higher successful rates. No significant difference between MTA and other biomaterials was found. The results were graded as very low to low certainty of evidence. In conclusion, pulpotomy is an effective treatment of permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure. Mineral trioxide aggregate and Biodentine can be recommended with more favorable outcomes as capping materials.

Outcome and Prognostic Factors for Partial and Full Pulpotomy in the Management of Spontaneous Symptomatic Pulpitis in Carious Mature Permanent Teeth: A Randomized Clinical Trial

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to compare the outcome and prognostic factors for partial and full pulpotomy in the management of mature teeth with spontaneous symptomatic pulpitis.

METHODS

The study was a parallel double-blind randomized clinical trial; 200 carious mature permanent teeth with spontaneous symptomatic pulpitis were randomized using a block randomization technique to either partial pulpotomy (n = 99) or full pulpotomy (n = 101). Intraoperative assessment of the pulp under magnification was performed, hemostasis was achieved with a 2.5% sodium hypochlorite moist pellet, and NeoPUTTY (Avalon Biomed, Bradenton, FL) was the pulpotomy material. Preoperative pain levels were recorded and re-evaluated after 1 week. Clinical and radiographic evaluation was performed after 6 and 12 months. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, the Wilcoxon rank test, and regression analysis.

RESULTS

At 1 week, immediate failure occurred in 4 cases in partial pulpotomy, and 196 of 200 subjects reported pain relief and were satisfied with the treatment with no significant difference. At 6 months, 6 teeth failed in the partial pulpotomy group and 1 tooth in the full pulpotomy group, with a higher success rate for full pulpotomy (98.96 vs 89.69, P = .003). At 12 months, the recall rate was 98% (96/200). Full pulpotomy was more successful than partial pulpotomy (98.98% [98/99] vs 84.53% [82/97], P < .001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the odds of success for full pulpotomy were 13.6 times higher than partial pulpotomy. Increased age and higher time to hemostasis were significantly associated with decreased odds of success.

CONCLUSIONS

Full pulpotomy has a higher success rate than partial pulpotomy in the management of spontaneous symptomatic pulpitis. Hemostasis within 4 minutes in partial pulpotomy can be set as the cutoff point beyond which further tissue removal is indicated.

Factors influencing treatment decisions in permanent mature teeth with irreversible pulpitis: a questionnaire-based study

BACKGROUND

Decision-making in dentistry is a complex process, and this study evaluated factors that influence dentists' approaches in permanent mature teeth with irreversible pulpitis.

METHODS

An online questionnaire was distributed to a group of dental practitioners. The questionnaire surveyed dentists' opinions about the management of vital permanent teeth with irreversible pulpitis including a case scenario.

RESULTS

Data from 262 respondents were analysed. Barriers to perform vital pulp therapy (VPT) included presuming it an inappropriate long-term treatment (29.7%), lack of knowledge, insufficient access to materials, inadequate training and lack of confidence. Patient's preference (79.44%) and tooth restorability (91%) were the most frequently reported factors influencing treatment decisions. Dentists aged 25-35 years and who have 1-5 years of experience ranked extraction as a more successful treatment (P = 0.008; P = 0.003, respectively). Non-Australian graduates ranked pulpotomy to be a more successful procedure (P = 0.007), and public sector/hospital practitioners favoured extraction more than practitioners from other sectors (P = 0.003). Postgraduates/specialists preferred pulpotomy (P = 0.012) more than general dentists. Participants' clinical approaches for the management of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: root canal treatment (45.0%), indirect pulp capping (22.9%), direct pulp capping (15.8%), pulpotomy (17.1%) and extraction (6.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Female, more experienced, overseas-educated dentists and endodontists preferred VPT for irreversible pulpitis in permanent mature teeth more than other participants. © 2024 Australian Dental Association.

Treatment Outcomes of Pulpotomy in Primary Teeth with Irreversible Pulpitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

AIM

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the success rates of pulpotomy treatment for irreversible pulpitis in primary teeth.

METHODS

This study was registered and conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols. Relevant studies published between January 1980 and April 2023 were identified across eight online databases and two paediatric dentistry textbooks. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were conducted by multiple investigators independently. Data analysis involved single-arm and two-arm meta-analyses, leave-one-out sensitivity analysis, meta-regression, and assessment of publication bias. The risks of bias were evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration's assessment tools. The levels of evidence were determined using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) tool.

RESULTS

Five primary studies were included. The weighted mean overall success rates at 6-month and 12-month follow-ups were 97.2% and 94.4%, respectively. Two-arm meta-analysis revealed no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the use of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and non-MTA bioceramic-based materials as pulpotomy medicaments. The sample size of each study did not affect the degree of data heterogeneity. Egger's test revealed no significant publication bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Pulpotomy may be regarded as an alternative modality for treating primary teeth with irreversible pulpitis. Nevertheless, future well-designed trials and extended follow-up periods are warranted.

Efficacy of pulpotomy in managing irreversible pulpitis in mature permanent teeth: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

This paper evaluated the success rates of pulpotomy, compared its efficacy with non-surgical root canal treatment (NSRCT), evaluated different pulpotomy techniques, and analyzed the effectiveness of contemporary bioactive materials in managing irreversible pulpitis in mature permanent teeth.

DATA SOURCES

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. Search was conducted from the inception of each database to the present, adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies were selected through a multi-step screening process, focusing on adult populations, randomized controlled trials, and single-arm trials.

DATA

Fifteen randomized controlled trials and eight single-arm trials were included. For a follow-up period of more than 24 months, pooled clinical success rate of pulpotomy was 92.9 % (95 %CI;82.1-99.0 %), whereas pooled radiographic success rate was 78.5 % (95 %CI;66.7-88.4 %). Meta-analyses showed that there was no significant difference in success rates between pulpotomy and NSRCT, between full and partial pulpotomy techniques, or between Mineral Trioxide Aggregate pulpotomy and Calcium Enriched Mixture pulpotomy. The results indicated comparable efficacy across these variables.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights the potential of less invasive treatments. Pulpotomy may be a viable alternative to NSRCT for managing irreversible pulpitis in mature permanent teeth. Limitations such as the low quality of some single-arm trials and the high risk of bias in some randomized controlled trials highlight the need for further research to standardize methodologies and broaden literature inclusion for a more comprehensive understanding of the efficacy of pulpotomy, considering the high success rates reported. Clinical Significance This quantitative systematic review recognizes the potential of full or partial pulpotomy as a viable treatment alternative to root canal therapy for managing irreversible pulpitis in mature permanent teeth. Future studies should aim for standardized protocols to validate these findings and improve patient treatment outcomes.

Vital pulp therapy-Factors influencing decision-making for permanent mature teeth with irreversible pulpitis: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

There is an increased tendency towards adopting minimally invasive interventions in dentistry, supported by advancement in materials and techniques. However, the decision-making process in choosing conservative or invasive treatments is influenced by several factors, particularly in permanent teeth with irreversible pulpitis.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the study was to systematically review the literature regarding factors that influence decision-making for vital pulp therapy (VPT) as definitive treatment option in permanent mature teeth diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis.

METHODS

Two independent reviewers searched five electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library). Grey literature was searched through Google Scholar and contact with experts. Defined search keys were applied, and all peer-reviewed literature published with no language nor publication date limits were included. The All studies investigating the factors influencing treatment decision-making in mature permanent teeth with irreversible pulpitis were included. The quality of included studies was assessed by two independent reviewers using the Joanna Briggs Institute quality assessment tool.

RESULTS

Six articles were included in the review. All included studies used questionnaires to characterize clinician preferences and attitudes in choosing treatment options for mature permanent teeth with irreversible pulpitis. The available evidence suggests that dentist-related factors have a significant influence on the chosen treatment in teeth with irreversible pulpitis, with speciality training and years of experience influencing the choice of VPT over other treatment options. COVID-19 reportedly swayed the dentists' decision to favour VPT. Only one article studied the influence of patient-related factors, such as age and presence of spontaneous pain on decision-making. Of note, a history of cardiovascular disease moved dentists towards prescribing VPT.

DISCUSSION

Collectively, the included studies demonstrated an overriding influence of dentist-related factors on choosing among treatment options for painful teeth diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis. Patient-related factors were acknowledged but there are also potential factors such as socio-economic constraints that were not included in the component studies.

CONCLUSION

In teeth with irreversible pulpitis clinicians educational background influence the decision towards a specific treatment option. Further data, preferably derived from clinical records, is necessary in future investigations to explore the effect of other important factors related to both dentists and patients.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO database (CRD42022339653).

Novel cryotherapy technique for pulpotomy in mature permanent teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis- a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of cryotherapy on haemostasis, post-operative pain, and the outcome of full pulpotomy performed in mature permanent teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included sixty mature permanent mandibular molar teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and no periapical rarefaction. After coronal pulp tissue amputation, teeth were randomly allocated to one of two groups (n = 30 each). In group I (conventional pulpotomy), a sterile cotton pellet moistened with 2.5% NaOCl was used for haemostasis. In group II (cryotherapy), the pulp chamber was continuously lavaged with 2.50C normal saline solution for haemostasis using an indigenous portable cryotherapy irrigation unit. Following haemostasis, the pulp was capped with mineral trioxide aggregate and the tooth was restored with resin composite. The time taken to achieve haemostasis was recorded. Preoperative and 24, 48 and 72 h postoperative pain was measured using the Numerical Rating Scale. The pulpotomy outcome was assessed at the 12-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using Fischer's exact test, two-sample t-test, two-sample Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Friedman Test, and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test.

RESULTS

The cryotherapy group achieved haemostasis in less time (p < 0.05). There was a significant pain reduction at 24 and 48 h in the cryotherapy group when compared with the conventional pulpotomy group (P < 0.005). The overall success rate of pulpotomy after 12 months was 88% (n = 22) in both study groups(p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Cryotherapy application reduces postoperative pain and has no adverse effect on the outcome of pulpotomy in permanent teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The cryotherapy can be incorporated in pulpotomy protocol as an adjunct to minimize post-operative pain.

Treatment outcome of coronal pulpotomy and indirect pulp capping in mature permanent molars with symptoms of moderate pulpitis: A randomized clinical trial

Aim

This clinical trial aimed to compare the clinical success of coronal pulpotomy and indirect pulp capping (IPC) in managing symptomatic deep proximal caries in molars with moderate pulpitis over a 12-month period.

Materials and Methods

A total of 108 vital mature permanent molars with moderate pulpitis were randomly allocated to the IPC (n = 54) or coronal pulpotomy group (n = 54). Dycal and Biodentine were used as pulp-capping materials, followed by composite restoration. The absence of periapical infection and asymptomatic teeth that positively responded to the cold pulp sensitivity test (only in IPC) was considered posttreatment success at 12 months. Data from the study were analyzed using the Chi-square test and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference between preoperative symptoms and the cold pulp sensibility test response (P = 0.000), indicating an association between symptoms and pulp sensibility. The average remaining dentine thickness (RDT) value was 0.48 ± 0.5 mm, with no statistically significant difference found between the location of caries and RDT (P = 0.084, P > 0.05). Compared to the IPC group, the pulpotomy group had a greater number of patients at 12 months after treatment that required no intervention. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that the mean survival duration for pulpotomy was 48 weeks, and for IPC, it was 42.3 ± 2.35 weeks.

Conclusion

Coronal pulpotomy with Biodentine proved more effective in reducing symptoms, achieving radiographic success, and ensuring tooth survival compared to IPC with calcium hydroxide.

Pulpotomy for teeth with irreversible pulpitis in immature permanent teeth: a retrospective case series study

To evaluate the success of pulpotomy in treating immature permanent teeth with irreversible pulpitis. This case series included patients with irreversible pulpitis admitted to the Department of Oral Medicine at the author's Hospital between 2015 and 2020. The pulpotomies were carried out by clinicians with > 5 years of working experience. The follow-up findings and radiographic images were reviewed by two attending dentists. This study included 49 teeth from 48 children (25 boys and 23 girls). The follow-up was 23.3 ± 6.8 months (from 12 to 40 months). The success rate of pulpotomy was 85.7% (42/49). Pulpotomy failed in seven teeth (14.3%). The treatment success rate for traumatic crown fracture was lower than for dental caries and dens evaginatus (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the success rate of the pulp-capping agent, tooth root developmental phase, and pulpotomy method (all P > 0.05). Pulpotomy might be successfully used to treat immature permanent teeth with irreversible pulpitis in young patients mainly caused by caries and a fractured tubercle of dens evaginatus.

Outcome of novel pulp capping modalities after full pulpotomy in teeth diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis: A prospective randomized clinical trial

Objective

The study aimed to compare and evaluate the effect of biodentine (BD) alone, BD along with Lyophilised freeze dried platelet rich concentrate (LPC + BD), and BD along with low-level laser therapy (BD + LLLT) after pulpotomy in mature permanent molars with irreversible pulpitis.

Materials and Methods

The study was designed as a randomized, pragmatic, parallel, double-blinded clinical trial registered under the Clinical Trial Registry-India (CTRI/2020/02/023245). 120 permanent molars fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria with symptoms of irreversible pulpitis were randomized after performing pulpotomy into three pulp capping groups: Group 1, BD; Group 2, lyophilized freeze-dried platelet-rich concentrate + BD (LPC + BD); and Group 3, Low level laser therapy + BD Group 3, LLLT + BD. The intergroup comparison was done using one-way analysis of variance followed by the Bonferroni test. The level of significance and confidence interval were 5% and 95%, respectively. Interobserver reliability was measured using Cohen's kappa analysis.

Results

At 1 week, there was a significant difference (P < 0.005) observed in the mean postoperative pain levels between the three groups with Group 1 (BD) exhibiting the highest postoperative pain followed by Group 2 (LPC + BD) and least pain was exhibited by Group 3 (LLLT + BD). A similar pattern was observed regarding the analgesic intake with maximum frequency in Group 1 (BD) and least with Group 3 (LLLT + BD). No significant difference in success rates was reported among the groups.

Conclusion

Pulpotomy as a treatment option for mandibular molars with irreversible pulpitis has an acceptable clinical success rate; however, long-term overall success rate remains questionable. The outcomes of incorporating adjunctive modalities with BD are remarkable and show tremendous potential for continued development and research.

Postoperative pain after single-visit root canal treatment or vital pulp therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This systematic review aimed to investigate whether vital pulp therapy and root canal treatment (RCT) promote different postoperative pain.

STUDIES REVIEWED

The authors searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature databases for studies published through June 30, 2022. The authors included randomized clinical trials if they reported on the assessment of postoperative pain after direct pulp capping, partial pulpotomy, pulpotomy, or single-visit RCT. The authors assessed the frequency of no, mild, moderate, and severe postoperative pain. They conducted meta-analyses to compare postoperative pain after full pulpotomy (PULP) and RCT.

RESULTS

The qualitative synthesis included 57 studies, and the authors conducted meta-analysis of 3. PULP leads to more asymptomatic cases (relative risk [RR], 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.11; P < .01; I2 = 67%) and to a lower occurrence of mild (RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.79 to 0.99; P < .04; I2 = 37%) and moderate (RR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.95; P < .02; I2 = 57%) postoperative pain than RCT. The frequency of severe pain was very low for both vital pulp therapy and RCT. Moderate to severe postoperative pain was more common at 48 hours through 72 hours after RCT and up to 36 hours after PULP. Pain intensity after PULP was higher using calcium-enriched material compared with using mineral trioxide aggregate at 12, 18, and 36 hours (P < .001).

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

PULP showed a significantly higher incidence of no pain and a lower incidence of mild and moderate pain than single-visit RCT. Clinical decisions for RCT or PULP should not be based on differences in postoperative pain. When analgesia is indicated, it probably should be limited to a short time after PULP.

Pulpotomy for the Management of Irreversible Pulpitis in Mature Teeth

Strict protocols for evaluating the pulp's preoperative state should be developed, along with a new classification scheme for the different pulp states, as case selection plays a major role in the effectiveness of adult pulpotomy. In this case report, a male patient, age 15, who had a carious lower left first molar underwent pulpotomy. The pulp's initial state was ascertained by pulse oximetry, electric pulp testing (EPT), and cold testing. The final diagnosis was symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. A 12-month follow-up period following the placement of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) (MTA Angelus Angelus, Londrina, Brazil; Clinician's Choice, New Milford, CT) and tooth-colored composite restoration revealed no visible anomalies in the postoperative radiographs, and the tooth remained functional and free of symptoms.

Effectiveness of full Pulpotomy compared with Root canal treatment in managing teeth with signs and symptOms indicative of irreversible pulpitis: a protocol for prospectiVE meta-analysis of individual participant data of linked randomised clinical trials (PROVE)

BACKGROUND

Full pulpotomy has been proposed as an alternative to root canal treatment in teeth with signs and symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis (IRP), but the evidence is limited, relying on underpowered studies with a high risk of bias. The aim of this study is to conduct a prospective meta-analysis (PMA) of individual participant data of a series of individual randomised trials to provide robust evidence on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of pulpotomy compared with root canal treatment.

METHODS

Individual participant data will be obtained from a series of randomised trials designed and conducted by a consortium of multi-national investigators with an interest in vital pulp treatment. These individualised trials will be conducted using a specified protocol, defined outcomes, and outcome measures. Ten parallel-group randomised trials currently being conducted in 10 countries will provide data from more than 500 participants. The primary outcome is a composite measure defined as (1) the absence of pain indicative of IRP, (2) the absence of signs and symptoms indicative of acute or chronic apical periodontitis, and (3) the absence of radiographic evidence of failure including radiolucency or resorption. Individual participant data will be obtained, assessed, and checked for quality by two independent reviewers prior to the PMA. Pooled estimates on treatment effects will be generated using a 2-stage meta-analysis approach. The first stage involves a standard regression analysis in each trial to produce aggregate data on treatment effect estimates followed by an inverse variance weighted meta-analysis to combine these aggregate data and produce summary statistics and forest plots. Cost-effectiveness analysis based on the composite outcome will be undertaken as a process evaluation to evaluate treatment fidelity and acceptability by patients and dentists.

RESULTS

The research question and trial protocol were developed and approved by investigators in all 10 sites. All sites use shared resources including study protocols, data collection forms, participant information leaflets, and consent forms in order to improve flow, consistency, and reproducibility. Each site obtained its own Institutional Review Board approval, and trials were registered in appropriate open access platforms. Patient recruitment has started in most sites, as of July 2023.

DISCUSSION

PMA offers a rigorous, flexible, and efficient methodology to answer this important research question and provide results with improved generalisability and external validity compared with traditional trials and retrospective meta-analyses. The results of this study will have implications for both the delivery of clinical practice and structured clinical guidelines' development.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42023446809. Registered on 08 February 2023.

Outcomes of coronal pulpotomy on permanent first molars in children: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the survival probability of permanent first molars (PFMs) after coronal pulpotomy (CP) using two outcome definitions: success-focused and functional survival-focused, and to identify factors influencing tooth survival.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study reviewing records of children undergoing CP with calcium silicate-based cements (CSCs) on PFMs. Each CP-treated PFM was classified as success, uncertain, failure, or censored. Survival probability was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier estimators. Success-focused definition considered failures and uncertain outcomes as events, while functional survival-focused definition considered only failures as events. Prognostic factors were analyzed using Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

Seventy-seven CP-treated PFMs with a follow-up period of 6-111 months. Using the success-focused definition (two failures and 12 uncertain outcomes as events), survival probabilities were 93.1% (95% CI 84.3-97.1%) at 12 months, 78.7% (95% CI 65.6-87.3%) at 36 months, and 74.9% (95% CI 59.5-89.0%) at 60-111 months. However, with the functional survival-focused definition, survival probabilities were 100% at 12 months and 96.6% (95% CI 86.9-99.1%) at 24-111 months. In multivariable analysis, proximal lesions increased failure risk compared to occlusal lesions (HR 17.17, 95% CI 2.18-135.31, p < 0.01), and resin composite restorations had higher failure risk than stainless steel crowns (HR 13.97, 95% CI 1.49-130.69, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

CP using CSCs shows long-term survival potential as an alternative treatment for cariously exposed PFMs in children.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Proximal lesions and resin composite restoration could contribute to the lower survival, indicating the need for careful consideration of restoration options and lesion location during treatment planning.

Evaluation of treatment and restoration preferences in deep carious teeth with various pulp exposure sizes: A questionnaire-based survey

This study evaluated the management preferences in a deep carious vital tooth. A questionnaire was e-mailed to members of the Turkish Dental Association. The questionnaire included a photograph and radiographs of an extremely deep carious molar (#16) of a 30-year-old man suffering from cold and chewing sensitivity. The dentists were asked to choose treatments for pulp exposure of <1, 1-2, and ≥2 mm and a permanent restoration. Chi-squared test was used to analyse data (p < 0.05). 504 (4.84%) of 10 411 dentists responded. When the pulp exposure was <1 mm: direct pulp capping (84.9%); 1-2 mm: root canal treatment (49.6%); ≥2 mm: root canal treatment (85.7%) were the most preferred treatments. 69.6% of the respondents chose direct composite restorations. If the tooth would be an abutment, most respondents preferred root canal treatment, regardless of the perforation size. The extent of pulp exposure and the type of permanent restoration influenced the treatment decision-making process.

One-year outcome of selective caries removal versus pulpotomy treatment of deep caries: A pilot randomized controlled trial

AIM

This study aimed to compare the outcome of SCR and Pulpotomy in teeth with deep caries extending at least 75% into dentine.

METHODOLOGY

This two-armed, parallel-group, randomized, superiority trial included vital mature permanent teeth with deep primary or secondary caries diagnosed radiographically as being at least 75% into the thickness of dentine, without clinical signs of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis or radiographic evidence of a periapical lesion. Carious teeth were blindly allocated to receive either SCR or Pulpotomy using computer-generated randomized patient codes concealed in opaque envelopes. All teeth were reviewed clinically and radiographically at 6 months and 1 year post-treatment. Using a significance level of p < .05, the log rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to compare the outcome of SCR and Pulpotomy and to identify potential prognostic factors, respectively.

RESULTS

In all, 58 teeth in the SCR group and 55 teeth in the pulpotomy group completed treatment, after excluding 6 teeth because they did not complete the allocated treatment and another due to severe periodontal disease. At one year, 57/58 (98.3%) teeth from the SCR group and 48/55 (87.3%) teeth from the Pulpotomy group were available for analysis. One tooth in the Pulpotomy group (2.1%) and eight teeth in the SCR group (14.0%) required the further intervention of root canal treatment (p < .05). There were no other significant prognostic factors for survival. Overall, 91.4% of teeth treated with either SCR or Pulpotomy survived without requiring further intervention over a period of one year. No other adverse events occurred over the review period.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this study, Pulpotomy fares better than SCR in preserving the remaining pulp and periapical health. As a treatment modality, Pulpotomy carries greater cost outlay to patient and takes a longer time to complete treatment than SCR. Long-term follow-up is needed to study the pulpal and restorative outcomes of Pulpotomy and SCR.

Implications of root, pulp chamber, and canal anatomy on pulpotomy and revitalization procedures

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to discuss the implications of anatomy of the root, pulp chamber, and canals on pulpotomy and revitalization procedures (RPs) as treatment alternatives to root canal treatment procedures.

METHODS

This narrative review was undertaken to address two main questions - why remove vital pulp tissue in teeth with complex canal anatomy when it can be preserved? And why replace the necrotic pulp in teeth with mature roots with a synthetic material when we can revitalize? This review also aims to discuss anatomical challenges with pulpotomy and revitalization procedures.

RESULTS

Maintaining the vitality of the pulp via partial or full pulpotomy procedures avoids the multiple potential challenges faced by clinicians during root canal treatment. However, carrying out pulpotomy procedures requires a meticulous understanding of the pulp chamber anatomy, which varies from tooth to tooth. Literature shows an increased interest in the application of RPs in teeth with mature roots; however, to date, the relation between the complexity of the root canal system and outcomes of RPs in necrotic multi-rooted teeth with mature roots is unclear and requires further robust comparative research and long-term follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Whenever indicated, pulpotomy procedures are viable treatment options for vital teeth with mature roots; however, comparative, adequately powered studies with long-term follow-up are needed as a priority in this area. RPs show promising outcomes for necrotic teeth with mature roots that warrant more evidence in different tooth types with long-term follow-ups.  CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinicians should be aware of the pulp chamber anatomy, which is subject to morphological changes by age or as a defensive mechanism against microbial irritation, before practicing partial and full pulpotomy procedures. RP is a promising treatment option for teeth with immature roots, but more evidence is needed for its applications in teeth with mature roots. A universal consensus and considerably more robust evidence are needed for the standardization of RPs in teeth with mature roots.

Partial Pulpotomy in Mature Permanent Molars with Symptoms Indicated Irreversible Pulpitis Using MTA: A Study of Three Case Reports over Four-Year Follow-Up

VPT is vital pulp therapy, a biologically based procedure that combines several therapeutic techniques to maintain the entire or a portion of the dental pulp. Interest in VPT has grown due to recent developments in bioactive materials and an understanding of biological pulp reparative responses. This case report is aimed at evaluating the success rate of partial pulpotomy in permanent molars with symptoms indicating irreversible pulpitis using MTA and presenting with extremely deep carious lesions over four years of follow-up. All patients came with spontaneous and severe pain. Each tooth was isolated with a rubber dam and disinfected with 5.25% NaOCl before caries excavation. After caries removal, a partial pulpotomy was performed on 2-3 mm of the exposed pulp. Bleeding time was recorded after hemostasis was achieved, and then MTA was placed over the exposed pulp. The permanent restoration was placed after pulp capping, and postoperative periapical radiographs were taken. Patients were scheduled for clinical and radiological examinations for four years based on 6-month intervals. All teeth revealed a successful outcome throughout the follow-up periods (clinically and radiographically) with complete resolution of clinical signs and symptoms. Partial pulpotomy using MTA might be an effective long-term management strategy for permanent molars clinically diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis.

Treatment outcome of partial pulpotomy using two different calcium silicate materials in mature permanent teeth with symptoms of irreversible pulpitis: A randomized clinical trial

AIM

To assess the clinical and radiographic outcome of partial pulpotomy by comparing MTA Angelus and Total Fill BC, as pulpotomy agents, in mature teeth with deep caries and symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis.

METHODOLOGY

The study was designed as a parallel-two arm, double-blind, randomized superiority clinical trial registered at www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov (NCT04870398). Symptomatic mature permanent teeth with deep caries fulfilling the inclusion criteria were randomly treated using either MTA Angelus or Total Fill BC. A partial pulpotomy was performed and following complete haemostasis, the capping material was placed over the remaining pulp tissue and a postoperative periapical radiograph was taken. Clinical and radiographic follow-up evaluation was performed for a median time of 2 years, whereas levels of pain intensity were evaluated preoperatively and for 7 days after intervention using Visual Analogue Scale. For the primary outcome (failure/success of treatment), the Kaplan-Meier survival curves for the capping materials were plotted and a log-rank test for equality of survivor functions was applied. A multivariable random effects Cox Regression model was also applied. For the secondary outcome (postoperatively reported pain), a multivariable mixed effects ordinal logistic regression was structured.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-seven teeth in 123 patients underwent partial pulpotomy using randomly either MTA Angelus (N = 74) or Total Fill BC (n = 63). The percentage failure for MTA Angelus and Total Fill BC was 10.8% (8/74) and 17.5% (11/63), respectively, but the difference was not statistically significant [adjusted HR: 1.83; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.68, 4.91; p = .23]. Weak evidence was found that secondary caries involvement may impose a 3.54 times greater hazard for treatment failure (adjusted HR: 3.54; 95% CI: 1.00, 12.51; p = .05). For each passing minute of procedural bleeding control, there was also a 57% higher hazard for treatment failure (adjusted HR: 1.57; 95% CI: 0.99, 2.48; p = .05). The odds for higher postoperative pain were 4.73 times greater for the Total Fill BC compared to MTA Angelus (adjusted OR: 4.73; 95% CI: 2.31, 9.66; p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Both materials exhibited similar and favourable outcome rates after partial pulpotomy in teeth with deep caries and symptoms of irreversible pulpitis. Total Fill BC was associated with a higher level of postoperative pain intensities.

Effectiveness of pulpotomy compared with root canal treatment in managing non-traumatic pulpitis associated with spontaneous pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pulpitis characterized by spontaneous pain can result in debilitating pain. Dogma has existed to offer only have two treatment options, namely root canal treatment (RCT) or extraction, although pulpotomy has always remained a potential treatment modality.

OBJECTIVE

This review aimed to answer the following research question: 'Does pulpotomy (partial or full) (I) result in better patient and clinical reported outcomes (O), compared with RCT (C) in permanent teeth with pulpitis characterized by spontaneous pain (P) evaluated at various time intervals?' (T).

METHODS

Two authors independently performed study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment. The literature search was conducted in the following electronic databases: Clarivate Analytics' Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. English language clinical trials comparing the patient and clinical reported outcomes between RCT and pulpotomy were included. The meta-analysis was performed on a fixed-effect model and the quality of evidence assessed by the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach.

RESULTS

Two randomized clinical trials were included. Amongst two trials, one has published four reports at different time points involving the same cohorts. The meta-analysis revealed no difference in postoperative pain (Day 7) between RCT and pulpotomy (OR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.63-1.55, I2  = 0%) and quality of evidence was graded as 'High'. Clinical success was high at year 1, 98% for both interventions, however, decreased over time to 78.1% (pulpotomy) and 75.3% (RCT) at 5 years.

DISCUSSION

Pulpotomy is a definitive treatment modality that is as effective as RCT. This could have a significant impact on treatment of such patients affording the advantages of retaining a vital pulp and preventing the need for RCT.

CONCLUSION

This review could only include two trials, hence there is insufficient evidence to draw robust conclusions. The clinical data accumulated so far suggests no difference in pain between RCT and pulpotomy at Day 7 postoperatively and a single randomized control trial suggests that the clinical success rate for both treatment modalities is similar long term. There is a need for more well-designed trials by different research groups to develop a stronger evidence base in this area.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO database (CRD42021259744).

The treatment of mature permanent teeth with irreversible pulpitis by cervical pulpotomy: A systematic review

Pulpotomy has been used in primary teeth and immature permanent teeth. However, with the advent of new bioactive material, the procedure is shifting towards permanent teeth with mature apices of roots. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the success of pulpotomy on mature permanent teeth with acute irreversible pulpitis and to compare it with root canal treatment or between the effectiveness of the bioactive material used. The following databases were searched: PubMed, Cochrane Library: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. After using the keywords predefined, the electronic search yielded a total of 86 articles. After undergoing a thorough screening and eligibility process, only four articles were finally selected. Unexpectedly, pulpotomy demonstrated a better tendency for success in such cases over the years. This shows that pulpotomy is not inferior to root canal treatment for permanent treatment of irreversible pulpitis. In addition, the results obtained showed that pulpotomy is rapid, biologically reliable and more cost-effective in all situations compared to root canal therapy. Complete pulpotomy appears to have a high success rate as a permanent treatment of irreversible pulpitis and could be considered as an alternative to root canal therapy. Pulpotomy is not inferior to root canal treatment for a permanent treatment of irreversible pulpitis. In addition, the results obtained have shown that complete pulpotomy is faster and more profitable in all situations compared to root canal treatment. Furthermore, with the advent of new so-called bioactive materials, the use of this therapeutic is increasingly considered. This is why a review based on studies of reliable articles is above all necessary to be able to generalise the indication of this therapy.

In Vitro Resistance of Natural Molars vs. Additive-Manufactured Simulators Treated with Pulpotomy and Endocrown

Endocrowns are designed to restore endodontically treated teeth with root canal treatment (Rct). Recently, endocrowns were proposed for teeth treated with full pulpotomy (FP). No data exist on in vitro evaluations for this combination. This study aimed to evaluate the mechanical behavior of pulpotomy-treated teeth with endocrowns according to different protocols for preparation design and materials and to assess whether 3D-printed resin simulators could be a reliable alternative for human teeth during in vitro strength tests. One hundred and ten extracted natural molars were randomized into 11 groups according to the type of endodontic treatment, the material used, and the design of peripheric preparation. One hundred and ten resin simulators were separated similarly. The samples were embedded in epoxy resin blocks before being subjected to oblique compressive load until failure. For natural teeth, the variance analysis separated two homogeneous groups, one regrouping the endodontically treated or pulpotomy-treated teeth without coronal restoration and the other one regrouping all the other samples, i.e., the untreated teeth (positive controls) and the treated and restored teeth. The strength resistance was lower for the resin simulators than for natural teeth in all groups. Within the limit of this study, strength resistance is not the most important criterion for choosing the type of material, preparation, or endodontic treatment for endocrowns. Resin simulators are not efficient for in vitro strength studies.

Selective Removal to Soft Dentine versus Full Pulpotomy for Management of Proximal Deep Carious Lesions: A Randomized Controlled Non-Inferiority Trial

The management of the deep carious lesion with reversible pulpitis is a dilemma for the dentist. The current study compared selective removal to soft dentine (SRSD) and full pulpotomy (FP) for treating proximal deep carious lesions in teeth with reversible pulpitis. Visual-tactile examination and bitewing radiographs were used to determine the depth of carious lesion, and American Association of Endodontists recommendations were used to formulate pulp diagnosis. Sixty mandibular molar teeth from healthy patients between the ages of 16-35 years and a diagnosis of proximal deep carious lesion with reversible pulpitis were included. Teeth were randomly allocated to two study groups. SRSD group (n = 30): soft dentine was preserved over the pulpal aspect. A hard-setting calcium hydroxide cement liner and resin-modified glass ionomer cement base were applied over the remaining soft carious dentine. FP group (n = 30): complete caries removal followed by mineral trioxide aggregate FP was performed. The teeth in both groups were restored with composite resin restoration. The established criteria for outcome assessment of SRSD and pulpotomy were used. Accordingly, only asymptomatic teeth with no radiological evidence of periapical rarefaction were considered successful at the 12-month follow-up. Two-sample t test, Pearson χ2 test/Fisher's exact test, and percentage agreement were used for statistical evaluation. According to the per-protocol analysis, the success rate of both SRSD and FP treatment was 95.45% and 95.65%, respectively, and the actual difference between the two treatments was 1% (95% CI: [-10, 9]). The data suggests that both treatments (SRSD and FP) appear to have a good success rate (>95%) when used to manage permanent mandibular molar teeth with proximal deep carious lesion and reversible pulpitis. As SRSD is a noninvasive procedure, it should be favored over FP in these instances.

The Influence of Carious Lesion and Bleeding Time on the Success of Partial Pulpotomy in Permanent Molars with Irreversible Pulpitis: A Prospective Study

This prospective study aimed to evaluate the success rate of partial pulpotomy using mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), in permanent molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Moreover, this study aimed to investigate the effect of carious lesion depth and activity and bleeding time on the outcome of partial pulpotomy. Forty permanent molars with deep and extremely deep carious lesions clinically diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis were included. The status of the carious lesion was evaluated clinically and radiographically to determine its activity (rapidly or slowly progressing) and depth (deep or extremely deep). A partial pulpotomy was performed and MTA was used. Clinical and radiographic analysis were performed at 3, 6 and 12 months. Chi-square analysis and Fisher's exact test were used. Scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-rays were used to investigate the crystalline structures and their chemical composition onto MTA surfaces after immersion in several conditions. The partial pulpotomy was 88.9% successful, with no significant difference in outcome between deep and extremely deep carious lesions (p = 0.22) or between rapidly and slowly progressing lesions (p = 0.18). Nevertheless, all failed cases were associated with rapidly progressing lesions and extremely deep lesions. All failures occurred when the bleeding time was more than 3 min (p = 0.10). Different crystalline structures were detected on MTA surfaces, with higher calcium percentages in PBS conditions. Within the limitations of the present study, favorable results demonstrated that MTA might be recommended as a suitable agent for partial pulpotomy in permanent molars with irreversible pulpitis. The depth and activity of the carious lesion as well as the bleeding time are important factors in the success of partial pulpotomy treatment. The prolonged bleeding time and the extremely deep rapidly progressing caries could be related with the failure cases in partial pulpotomy treatment of irreversible pulpitis.

Vital pulp therapy for permanent teeth with diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis: biological basis and outcome

Root canal treatment (RCT) has been considered the conventional standard for the management of teeth with carious pulp exposure, particularly in mature teeth presenting with symptoms. Following a better understanding of the histopathology of deep carious lesions, the histology of the cariously exposed pulp and the healing potential of the inflamed pulp, vital pulp therapy (VPT) is increasingly adopted around the world for the management of permanent teeth with clinical signs and symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis. Furthermore, VPT became a recognized treatment modality by the European Society of Endodontology (ESE) and the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) by virtue of its high success rates reported in outcome studies using contemporary hydraulic calcium silicate-based cements. However, proper case selection, strict asepsis, capping materials and good coronal seal are mandatory for success. The aim of this paper is to review the biological basis for VPT in symptomatic teeth with carious pulp exposure and to report on the outcome of pulpotomy in teeth with clinical diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis.

Comparative Evaluation of Chlorhexidine Polymer Scaffold, 3Mixtatin, and Formocresol for Vital Primary Pulp Therapy: A Randomized 6-month Clinical Study

Introduction

The study was performed to evaluate and compare the clinical and radiographic efficacy of chlorhexidine (CHX) polymer scaffold, 3Mixtatin, and formocresol for vital primary pulp therapy-a randomized clinical study.

Materials and methods

A total of 120 primary molars were included from children aged between 6 and 8 years in this randomized clinical study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomly allocated into three groups (group I-CHX polymer scaffold, group II-3Mixtatin, and group III-formocresol. Pulpotomy was performed in a vital cariously exposed primary tooth with healthy periodontium where their retention is more beneficial than extraction. Subjects were followed up at 1, 3, and 6 months for clinical and radiographic evaluations.

Results

At 6 months of follow-up, the overall success rate of pulpotomy in groups I, II, and III was 56.41, 71.05, and 60.52% in each group, respectively. Nonsignificant difference (p > 0.05) was seen during intergroup comparison.

Conclusion

However, among the three materials used in this study, 3mixtatin comparatively had better results.

How to cite this article

Goel N. Comparative Evaluation of Chlorhexidine Polymer Scaffold, 3Mixtatin, and Formocresol for Vital Primary Pulp Therapy: A Randomized 6-month Clinical Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(3):478-482.

Effect of full pulpotomy using a calcium silicate-based bioactive ceramic in adult permanent teeth with symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The authors studied the treatment effect of full pulpotomy using a calcium silicate-based bioactive ceramic in adult permanent teeth with symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis.

METHODS

Eighty-one adult permanent teeth with symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis in 78 patients aged 18 through 72 years were evaluated for inclusion in the study. After caries excavation, the pulp was amputated to the level of the canal orifices. After hemostasis was achieved, calcium silicate-based bioactive ceramic was placed as the capping agent. The cavity was sealed temporarily with a glass ionomer cement and then restored with flowable resin and composite resin after 2 weeks if no positive symptoms were reported or detected. Postoperative evaluation was performed by means of clinical and radiographic examination at 2 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months.

RESULTS

Overall success rates of the procedure were 96.3% (78 of 81), 93.8% (76 of 81), 92.6% (75 of 81), and 92.6% (75 of 81) at the 2-week, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month recall visits, respectively. Six of the 81 teeth failed and required root canal therapy. In these 6 teeth, 3 exhibited severe cold stimuli pain and spontaneous pain at the 2-week follow-up, 2 had no response to electric pulp testing with apical percussion pain and periapical rarefaction at the 3-month follow-up, and 1 tooth exhibited periapical rarefaction and labial mucosal fistula at the 6-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Under the conditions of this study, full pulpotomy using a calcium silicate-based bioactive ceramic was a successful option for the treatment of adult permanent teeth with carious originated symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Vital pulp therapy is no longer impossible for adult permanent teeth with carious originated symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis.

Concentrated growth factor combined with iRoot BP Plus promotes inflamed pulp repair: an in vitro and in vivo study

BACKGROUND

Platelet concentrates combined with calcium silicate cements may promote reparative dentin formation. However, few studies have reported their effect on dental pulp inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of concentrated growth factor (CGF) combined with iRoot BP Plus on inflammatory human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) in vitro and inflamed pulp in rats in vivo.

METHODS

The proliferation of LPS-stimulated hDPSCs treated with 50% CGF with/without 25% iRoot BP Plus was evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8 on days 1, 4 and 7. The expression of genes associated with inflammation on day 1 and differentiation on day 14 was analysed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The exposed pulp of rat maxillary molars was injected with 10 mg/mL LPS and directly capped with CGF membrane with/without iRoot BP Plus extract for 1, 7 and 28 days. The teeth were subjected to histologic analyses and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The proliferation rates of the inflammatory hDPSCs after the combination treatment were significantly higher than those after the other treatments on days 4 and 7 (P < 0.05). IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were increased in inflammatory hDPSCs but decreased after treatment with CGF combined with iRoot BP Plus extract, whereas IL-4 and IL-10 showed the opposite expression patterns. Expression of the odontogenesis-related genes OCN, Runx2, and ALP was dramatically enhanced by combined treatment with CGF and iRoot BP Plus extract. In rat pulp, the average inflammation scores of the CGF and CGF-iRoot BP Plus groups significantly decreased in comparison with those of the LPS group (P < 0.05), and the CGF-iRoot BP Plus group had more reparative dentin than the CGF and BP groups. Immunohistochemical staining showed fewer M1 macrophages on day 1 and more M2 macrophages on day 7 in the CGF-iRoot BP Plus group than in the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of CGF and iRoot BP Plus showed a synergistic effect on anti-inflammatory potential and promoted greater pulp healing than CGF or iRoot BP Plus alone.

A randomized controlled clinical trial of pulpotomy vs root canal therapy in mature teeth with irreversible pulpitis: Outcome, quality of life, and patients' satisfaction

INTRODUCTION

Vital pulp therapy (VPT)is increasingly practiced as an alternative treatment to root canal therapy (RCT) in teeth with carious pulp exposure. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome, quality of life and patient satisfaction after full pulpotomy and RCT in mature teeth with irrevrsible pulpitis.

METHODS

Sixty mature permanent molar teeth with carious pulp exposure and a diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=30). The first group was treated with full pulpotomy using Biodentine and the second group was treated with RCT. Pain level was recorded preoperatively and at 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 days. Clinical and radiographic assessment was done at 6 and 12 months follow up, one case in each group did not attend. Based on the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire (OHIP-17) and 7 semantic differential scales, quality of life (QOL) and patients' satisfaction were evaluated and compared statistically.

RESULTS

Pulpotomy and RCT had comparable success rates (27/29, 93%). Pain levels at day 1 after pulpotomy were significantly lower than after RCT (p=0.037), less patients required analgesics (p=0.028), and pulpotomy provided pain relief in a shorter time compared to RCT. Both treatments improved the OHIP QOL of patients without significant differences (60.29, 64.1% at 1 year). Patients' satisfaction with pulpotomy was higher than RCT in terms of the time involved, intraoperative pain, pleasantness, and cost (p <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Full pulpotomy could be an alternative treatment to RCT in mature teeth with carious pulp exposure and symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, based on the clinical, radiographic success rates and patients' satisfaction.

The Role of Cellular Metabolism in Maintaining the Function of the Dentine-Pulp Complex: A Narrative Review

The cellular metabolic processes ensure the physiological integrity of the dentine-pulp complex. Odontoblasts and odontoblast-like cells are responsible for the defence mechanisms in the form of tertiary dentine formation. In turn, the main defence reaction of the pulp is the development of inflammation, during which the metabolic and signalling pathways of the cells are significantly altered. The selected dental procedures, such as orthodontic treatment, resin infiltration, resin restorations or dental bleaching, can impact the cellular metabolism in the dental pulp. Among systemic metabolic diseases, diabetes mellitus causes the most consequences for the cellular metabolism of the dentine-pulp complex. Similarly, ageing processes present a proven effect on the metabolic functioning of the odontoblasts and the pulp cells. In the literature, several potential metabolic mediators demonstrating anti-inflammatory properties on inflamed dental pulp are mentioned. Moreover, the pulp stem cells exhibit the regenerative potential essential for maintaining the function of the dentine-pulp complex.

Bioceramics in Endodontics: Updates and Future Perspectives

Bioceramics, with excellent bioactivity and biocompatibility, have been widely used in dentistry, particularly in endodontics. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is the most widely used bioceramic in endodontics. Recently, many new bioceramics have been developed, showing good potential for the treatment of endodontic diseases. This paper reviews the characteristics of bioceramics and their applications in various clinical endodontic situations, including root-end filling, root canal therapy, vital pulp therapy, apexification/regenerative endodontic treatment, perforation repair, and root defect repair. Relevant literature published from 1993 to 2023 was searched by keywords in PubMed and Web of Science. Current evidence supports the predictable outcome of MTA in the treatment of endodontic diseases. Although novel bioceramics such as Biodentine, EndoSequence, and calcium-enriched mixtures have shown promising clinical outcomes, more well-controlled clinical trials are still needed to provide high-level evidence for their application in endodontics. In addition, to better tackle the clinical challenges in endodontics, efforts are needed to improve the bioactivity of bioceramics, particularly to enhance their antimicrobial activity and mechanical properties and reduce their setting time and solubility.

Factors that influence the outcome of pulpotomy in permanent teeth

The promotion of minimally invasive treatments focussed on the maintenance of pulp vitality has become a priority area in Endodontics. These vital pulp treatments (VPT) include partial and full pulpotomy, during which diseased coronal pulp tissue is removed prior to placement of a capping biomaterial and restoration. Traditionally, pulpotomies were confined to the treatment of carious primary and traumatized permanent teeth. However, these treatments have now been proposed as definitive solutions for cariously exposed permanent teeth with mild symptoms or even symptoms indicative of irreversible disease. Until recently, it was recommended that carious exposure of mature permanent teeth be managed by root canal treatment. The promotion of pulpotomy as an alternative treatment has opened up a wave of laboratory and clinical research aimed at improving therapies or evaluating clinical outcomes. In modern evidence-based endodontics, it is imperative that the outcomes of both partial and full pulpotomy are considered and important prognostic factors identified, so that improvements can be made to aid clinical decision-making and to direct new research. In this narrative review, the outcomes of partial and full pulpotomy are discussed, before analysis of patient, intraoperative and postoperative factors that influence the outcome of the pulpotomy procedure. The review highlights that although partial and full pulpotomy for the treatment of even pulpal disease are highly successful procedures, this is based on low-quality evidence with a lack of prospective, comparative trials investigating potential prognostic factors. Based on current evidence, it appears that age, gender, tooth type, root development and intraoperative pulpal haemorrhage do not impact significantly on pulpotomy outcome, whilst others such as caries depth, inflammatory status of the pulp, capping material, level of inflammatory pulpal-biomarkers and the final restoration integrity do. Other factors, including the influence of exposure type, periodontal condition, pulpal lavage, magnification, operator experience, isolation of the operating field and type of pulpotomy, require further experimental investigation before definitive conclusions can be made relating to the success of the pulpotomy procedure. Finally, there is not only a need for future well-designed prospective research addressing these issues but also a widening of our understanding of outcome to include patient-reported as well as clinician-reported outcomes.

A retrospective study of iRoot BP Plus pulpotomy compared with Vitapex pulpectomy for irreversible pulpitis of primary molars with the presence of coronal pulp tissue

BACKGROUND

Pulpotomy has been successfully performed in immature and mature permanent teeth with irreversible pulpitis but rarely in primary teeth.

AIM

To evaluate the outcomes of iRoot BP Plus pulpotomy and Vitapex pulpectomy in primary molars with irreversible pulpitis.

DESIGN

We selected 130 primary molars of 99 patients, aged 3-7 years, diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis with coronal pulp tissue and treated with iRoot BP Plus pulpotomy or Vitapex pulpectomy (median follow-up period: 18 months). They were divided into the pulpotomy (n = 88) and pulpectomy (n = 42) groups according to treatment procedure. The pulpotomy group was further divided into asymptomatic (n = 46) and symptomatic (n = 42) subgroups according to preoperative symptoms. The chi-squared test and Cox regression were performed to analyze the outcomes.

RESULTS

Clinical and radiographic success rates were significantly higher in the pulpotomy group (98.9% and 95.5%) than in the pulpectomy group (88.1% and 54.8%) and did not differ significantly between asymptomatic and symptomatic pulpotomy subgroups.

CONCLUSION

Irreversible pulpitis of primary molars with coronal pulp tissue can be successfully treated with iRoot BP Plus pulpotomy. Early intraradicular resorption of materials is the main adverse outcome of Vitapex pulpectomy.

Outcome of partial and full pulpotomy in cariously exposed mature molars with symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis: A randomized controlled trial

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess and compare the clinical and radiographic outcome of partial pulpotomy and full pulpotomy using Biodentine in cariously exposed mature molar teeth with symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis.

METHODOLOGY

This study is an unicentric, double-arm, randomized superiority clinical trial with parallel experimental groups, registered under CTRI (CTRI/2019/12/022559). Fifty mature permanent molar teeth with carious exposures with symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis were randomly allocated equally into two groups. Partial pulpotomy (PP) and full pulpotomy (FP) were performed in the first and second group, respectively, following standardized protocols. Exposed pulp tissue was removed up to a depth of 2-3 mm for partial pulpotomy, whereas complete coronal pulp tissue was removed up to the level of root orifices for full pulpotomy. Haemostasis was achieved with placement of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite-moistened cotton pellets placed on amputated pulp tissue for a maximum of 10 min. Biodentine was used as the pulp capping material. Pain scores were evaluated using 11-point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) preoperatively, at 24 h, 48 h and 7th day after the intervention(s). Clinical and radiographic evaluation was done at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. The data were statistically analysed using chi-squared test, Mann-Whitney U-test, Friedman's test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The significance level was pre-determined at p < .05. Cumulative survival probabilities were assessed at 12 months using Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS

Intra-group analysis of pain scores revealed significant reduction in pain scores preoperatively and at 24 h, 48 h and 7th day in both the groups. However, the difference in the pain score(s) reduction between both the groups was not statistically significant at any time interval (p > .05). At 1-year follow-up, the success rate was 88% (22/25) and 91.6% (22/24) for PP and FP respectively (p > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Partial pulpotomy showed comparable results to full pulpotomy in terms of clinical/radiographic treatment outcome. If the long-term results remain the same, partial pulpotomy can be proposed as an alternative treatment modality for mature teeth with cariously exposed pulp tissue presenting with signs of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

Evaluation of biodentine pulpotomy in caries-exposed symptomatic vital mature permanent teeth in 9‒13-year-old children: A 24-month clinico-radiographic observation

BACKGROUND

The present study evaluated the clinical and radiographic outcomes of Biodentine pulpotomy for 24 months in symptomatic vital mature permanent teeth with caries exposure.

METHODS

Seventy-three patients with a chief complaint of spontaneous pain in permanent teeth were screened. Finally, 47 mature permanent teeth underwent a Biodentine pulpotomy procedure. Clinical evaluation of 47 teeth was carried out at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 months and radiographic evaluations were made at 6, 12, and 24 months. The success of Biodentine pulpotomy was evaluated using Pearson's chi-square test. The significance level was determined at P<0.05.

RESULTS

At 24 months, the clinical and radiographic success rate was 97.78%, with only one clinical failure at 9 months.

CONCLUSION

The clinical and radiographic success of Biodentine pulpotomy was high (97.78%). Thus, Biodentine pulpotomy can be an alternative to root canal treatment (RCT) in symptomatic vital mature permanent teeth.

Modified pulpotomy procedure in immature permanent teeth with apical periodontitis: a randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a modified pulpotomy (MP) procedure in immature permanent teeth with apical periodontitis (AP).

DESIGN

Randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

One public hospital in Shanghai, China PARTICIPANTS: A total of 33 teeth (31 patients) with a definitive diagnosis of AP with radiographic periapical radiolucency were recruited in this study. All the patients (teeth) completed the study accordingly.

METHODS AND INTERVENTION

Patients were randomly assigned to either MP or apexification treatment groups and were followed up for 12 months. Clinical symptoms and complications were recorded, and parallel periapical radiographic images were used to measure changes in root length and apical diameter. Wilcoxon's rank sum test and Fisher's exact test were used to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes between MP and apexification, and analysed with analysis of variance.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The primary outcome was increase in root length at 12 months. The secondary outcomes included tooth survival, clinical success and decrease in apical diameter.

RESULTS

MP group showed a significant increase in root length (10.05%±2.14% vs 1.16%±0.79%, p<0.05) at 12 months and a decrease in apical diameter (48.88%±10.42% vs 15.90%±8.88%, p<0.05) as compared with the apexification group. The tooth survival rate was 100%, and 90.91% (30/33) of teeth were asymptomatic with apical healing in both treatment groups (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

MP can be an option for treating immature permanent teeth with AP. MP showed better performance in terms of continued root maturation than apexification. MP and apexification achieved comparable outcomes with regard to the resolution of clinical symptoms and apical healing.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR-INR-17012169.

Minimally invasive endodontics: a new era for pulpotomy in mature permanent teeth

Emerging clinical and histologic evidence is challenging the long-established dogma that root canal treatment (RCTx) is the only therapeutic option for preservation of vital mature permanent teeth diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis or carious pulp exposure. Vital pulp therapy procedures like pulpotomy are not only technically simpler and more economical, but also afford patients a host of other benefits over conventional RCTx. This narrative review provides an update on the contemporary understanding of pulp pathophysiology and defence mechanisms, the proposed new diagnostic terminologies for pulpal inflammation, and how the biological characteristics of hydrophilic calcium silicate cements have enabled consistent successful outcomes for pulpotomy-treated mature teeth. The paper also details the evidence base from clinical trials and systematic reviews conducted over the past decade and outlines the practical treatment considerations for pulpotomy in mature permanent teeth.

Coronal discoloration induced by calcium silicate-based cements used in full pulpotomy in mature permanent molars: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to randomly compare in vivo coronal discoloration at 6 and 12 months after full pulpotomy in mature permanent molars using MTA, Biodentine, and TotalFill and to investigate the effect of variables such as remaining buccal wall thickness and time to achieve hemostasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred eight teeth that met the inclusion criteria received full pulpotomy and were randomly divided into 3 groups via a block randomization technique according to the calcium silicate cement (CSC): ProRoot WMTA, TotalFill, or Biodentine. Assessment of tooth color was carried out using a spectrophotometric device (VITA Easyshade Compact) after composite placement (T0), at 6- and 12-month follow-up. Buccal wall thickness and time to hemostasis were recorded. The primary outcome measure (color change ΔE) was calculated, and the results were analyzed by three-way ANOVA and crosstabulations in relation to material type and effect of variables.

RESULTS

Four cases were excluded after pulpotomy failure; 81 teeth were evaluated at 6 months and 95 teeth at 12 months. All CSCs caused tooth discoloration (defined as ΔE > 3.7); MTA significantly caused the highest color change at 6- and 12-month follow-up (76% (19/25) and 87.5% (28/32), respectively) compared to Biodentine (41% (9/22), 48% (13/27)) and TotalFill (44% (15/34), 53% (19/53)) (p = 0.022, p = 0.002), while no significant difference was found between the Biodentine and TotalFill groups (p = 0.813, p = 0.8). Buccal wall thickness (above or below 2.7 mm) had a significant effect on the degree of discoloration (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

The 3 CSCs caused tooth discoloration based on the threshold of ΔE > 3; the remaining buccal wall thickness was a significant factor. The use of Biodentine and TotalFill instead of MTA is encouraged to minimize discoloration.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

While experimental studies report coronal discoloration after CSCs use, clinical data is lacking. This study assessed discoloration using a spectrophotometric device. The use of materials with lower discoloration potential in pulpotomy is encouraged.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered with clinical trial registration number: NCT04346849 on 14.4.2020.

The scientific management of deep carious lesions in vital teeth using contemporary materials—A narrative review

Aim

The aim of this article is to review the scientific evidence for deep caries removal in permanent vital teeth and the choice of dentine replacement material and restoration of the teeth to maintain long term tooth vitality and function.

Method

The two position statements namely the European Society of Endodontology and the American Association of Endodontists position statements on vital pulp therapy will be scrutinized and compared with regards to the deep caries removal strategy and assessed for evidence of best practice. The properties of materials used to manage vital pulps and the best way to restore the teeth will be reviewed and guidance on the full management of vital teeth will be suggested.

Conclusions

Promoting new treatment modalities for reversible and irreversible pulpitis allowing for pulp preservation should be considered. Although debatable, cases with deep caries should be managed by complete non-selective caries removal which will allow for pulpal management if needed and a more predictable outcome can be expected when using the new materials and treatment modalities of vital pulp therapy.

Factors affecting the outcome of full pulpotomy in permanent posterior teeth diagnosed with reversible or irreversible pulpitis

This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the success rate of full pulpotomy in permanent posterior teeth with pulpitis. The study included 105 permanent posterior teeth clinically diagnosed as reversible or irreversible pulpitis in 92 patients aged 18-82 years. All teeth underwent a full pulpotomy using mineral trioxide aggregate as a capping material and were recalled for clinical and radiographic evaluation at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. The overall success rate after the 12-month review was above 90%, and failed cases mainly occurred during the first 12 months after treatment. In this study, the treatment outcome of pulpotomy was not related to sex, or tooth position and the cause of pulpitis. To analyze the influence of age on the treatment outcome, all the teeth were allocated to three groups: group 1 (18-39 years); group 2 (40-59 years); and group 3 (≥ 60 years). A significant difference in success rate was found between groups 1 and 3 (P = 0.014). These results suggest that pulpotomy can be used as an alternative treatment for permanent mature teeth diagnosed with pulpitis and that aging is one factor affecting the treatment outcome.

A Pilot Feasibility Study to Establish Full Pulpotomy in Mature Permanent Teeth with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis as a Routine Treatment in Mexican Public Healthcare Services

Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis is a common dental disease for which root canal treatment (RCT) has been the standard treatment. However, in many countries, RCT is considered a high-cost treatment that is not covered by public healthcare services; this forces patients to have dental extraction as their only option to relieve pain. In the last decade, several investigations have provided evidence that an alternative treatment known as full pulpotomy (FP) could be an alternative for patients who could not afford the cost of an RCT. Nevertheless, evidence is lacking on the success rate that could be obtained if it is performed in a public dental care clinic (PDCC). The present investigation has two main objectives. To be the first approach of a multicentric feasibility study to find out whether an FP performed by a general practice dentist (GPD) in a PDCC could be suitable and establish its success rate and patient satisfaction. Patients attending a PDCC with symptoms of irreversible pulpitis were invited to participate. FP was performed and followed up at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. The treatment success was assessed by combining three variables, patient satisfaction, clinical, and radiographic outcomes. Forty-one patients from 17 to 78 years old received the intervention. In total, 97.5% were completely satisfied with the treatment and were considered successful since none of the clinical or radiographic variables were present in any of the follow-ups. An FP performed by a GPD in a PDCC could be suitable as a routine treatment for symptomatic irreversible pulpitis due to the excellent success rate and patient satisfaction.

Outcome of pulpotomy in permanent teeth with irreversible pulpitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Treatment planning is key to clinical success. Permanent teeth diagnosed with "irreversible pulpitis" have long been implied to have an irreversibly damaged dental pulp that is beyond repair and warranting root canal treatment. However, newer clinical approaches such as pulpotomy, a minimally invasive and biologically based procedure have re-emerged to manage teeth with pulpitis. The primary aim of the study was to conduct a meta-analysis to comprehensively estimate the overall success rate of pulpotomy in permanent teeth with irreversible pulpitis as a result of carious pulp exposure. The secondary aim of the study was to investigate the effect of predictors such as symptoms, root apex development (closed versus open), and type of pulp capping material on the success rate of pulpotomy. Articles were searched using PubMed, Scopus, CENTRAL, and Web of Science databases, until January 2021. Outcomes were calculated by pooling the success rates with a random effect model. Comparison between the different subgroups was conducted using the z statistic test for proportion with significance set at alpha = 0.05. A total of 1,116 records were retrieved and 11 studies were included in the quantitative analysis. The pooled success rate for pulpotomy in teeth with irreversible pulpitis was 86% [95% CI: 0.76-0.92; I² = 81.9%]. Additionally, prognostic indicators of success were evaluated. Stratification of teeth based on (1) symptoms demonstrated that teeth with symptomatic and asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis demonstrated success rate of 84% and 91% respectively, with no significant difference (p = 0.18) using z-score analysis; (2) open apex teeth demonstrated a significantly greater success rate (96%) compared to teeth with closed apex (83%) (p = 0.02), and (3) pulp capping materials demonstrated that Biodentine yielded significantly better success rates compared to Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA), calcium hydroxide, and Calcium Enriched Mixture (CEM.) Collectively, this is the first meta-analytical study to determine the clinical outcome of pulpotomy for carious teeth with irreversible pulpitis and it's predictors for success. Moreover, we identify the stage of root development and type of biomaterial as predictors for success of pulpotomy.

The Understanding of Vital Pulp Therapy in Permanent Teeth: A New Perspective

The indications of vital pulp therapy (VPT) are expanding, which cases are suitable for VPT, and how to improve the success rate of VPT is a problem that often bothers us. The main purpose of VPT is to eliminate pulpitis by promoting the formation of reparative dentin or calcium bridge, so that it can continue to perform various physiological functions, and finally achieve the purpose of preserving pulp vitality and long-term preservation of affected teeth. Pulp capping and pulpotomy are the most common methods for VPT. The research field of VPT has attracted the attention of many scholars, who have studied it from many aspects (such as indications, material selection, operation requirements, and long-term prognosis). This article reviews the recent advances in the techniques of VPT in permanent teeth.

Vital Pulp Therapy of Permanent Teeth with Reversible or Irreversible Pulpitis: An Overview of the Literature

Vital pulp therapy (VPT) has been recently proposed as an alternative approach even in symptomatic mature permanent teeth with deep caries’ lesions, aiming to maintain the pulp vitality over time and/or to avoid non-surgical root canal therapy (NSRCT). However, to date, the diagnosis of reversible or irreversible pulpitis is only based on clinical pain quantity and quality, without precisely reflecting the pulp inflammation status. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to provide an overview based on the current scientific literature to demonstrate the clinical effectiveness of VPT on mature permanent teeth, validating the use of hydraulic calcium silicate-based cements and their role in pain management. VPT may be successfully applied not only in mature permanent teeth diagnosed with reversible pulpitis, but also in permanent dental elements with signs and symptoms of irreversible pulpitis. Hydraulic cements showed favorable outcomes in terms of decrease of pro-inflammatory mediators and of post-operative pain. Pain plays a central role in the chance to perform VPT in mature permanent teeth, since it may be considered as a pre-operative diagnostic criterion as well as a treatment success parameter. In addition, proper assessment of pulp inflammation and choice of appropriate materials are key factors in enhancing VPT success.

Outcome of full pulpotomy in mature permanent molars using 3 calcium silicate-based materials: A parallel, double blind, randomized controlled trial

AIM

The aim of the study was to compare the outcome of full pulpotomy using 2 calcium silicate-based materials compared with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) in symptomatic mature permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure.

METHODOLOGY

This study was designed as a parallel, double blind, randomized controlled trial where symptomatic mature permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly treated with full pulpotomy using one of 3 calcium silicate-based materials (ProRoot MTA, Biodentine and TotalFill). Full pulpotomy was performed, and haemostasis was achieved via a cotton pellet moistened with 2.5% NaOCl. A 3-mm layer of the calcium silicate-based material was randomly placed as the pulpotomy agent through a block randomization process followed by a resin-based composite restoration. Postoperative periapical radiograph was taken. Clinical and radiographic evaluation were completed after 6 months and 1 year. The patient and evaluator were blinded to the type of materials used. Pain levels were scored preoperatively and 7 days after treatment. Effect of potential prognosis factors including gender, age, diagnosis, bleeding time and type of caries were also analysed.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty-four teeth in 146 patients received full pulpotomy and were randomly assigned to either the tested or control material through block randomization technique (50 MTA, 50 Biodentine and 64 TotalFill). The age ranged from 10 to 70 years. The diagnosis was irreversible pulpitis in 112 teeth (72%) and reversible pulpitis in 28 teeth (28%). The majority of patients presented with severe pain, during the first week 96.9% reported complete relief of pain or mild pain. Four cases had immediate failure. At 6 months the overall success rate was 92.2%, over 1 year 156/164 teeth attended follow-up with 12 failures (2 restorative failures and 10 endodontic failures), the overall success of pulpotomy at 1 year was 92.3% (144/156); 91.8% in MTA, 93.3% in Biodentine and 91.9% in TotalFill with no significant difference amongst the groups and no side effects observed. No significant association was evident between outcome and the investigated variables.

CONCLUSIONS

The 1-year success rate of full pulpotomy did not differ significantly between Biodentine pulpotomy, TotalFill pulpotomy, and MTA pulpotomy. The study was registered with clinical trials; registration number (NCT04345263).

Comparative evaluation of complete and partial pulpotomy in mature permanent teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: A randomized clinical trial

AIM

The study aimed to compare the outcome of complete pulpotomy (CP) and partial pulpotomy (PP) techniques when utilised for the management of mature permanent teeth with carious pulpal exposure and symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP).

METHODOLOGY

The study protocol was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04397315). One hundred and six permanent mandibular molars with carious pulpal exposure and clinical diagnosis of SIP with periapical index ≤2, from patients aged between 18 and 40 years were randomly allocated in equal proportion to either CP or PP group. Allocated procedures were performed using standardised protocols. The allocated procedure was abandoned in cases where pulpal bleeding could not be controlled within 6 min using cotton pellets soaked in 3% sodium hypochlorite. MTA was used as a pulpotomy agent and teeth were restored using a base of glass ionomer followed by composite restoration. The pain was recorded by the patient preoperatively before administration of local anaesthesia and postoperatively every 24 h for 1 week using visual analogue scale. Success was analysed at 12 months based on clinical and radiographic examination. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare age, pain scores and mean analgesic consumption between the groups. Categorical data were analysed using chi-square test. Fisher's exact test was used to assess the clinical and radiographic success and incidence of pain. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess the survival of teeth. A p-value <.05 was considered as statistically significant.

RESULTS

One hundred and one patients were analysed at follow up. Higher success was observed in CP (89.8%) in comparison to PP group (80.8%), but the difference was non-significant statistically (p = .202). Although no significant difference was observed in pain incidence between the groups at 24 h (p = .496), a significant difference in pain intensities was observed between groups at all the tested time intervals, with lower values reported in CP group (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Both CP and PP resulted in favourable outcomes in the management of cariously exposed permanent teeth with signs indicative of SIP. Given the more conservative nature of PP, it may be attempted first before proceeding to CP in such cases.