Second-generation platelet concentrate (PRF) as a pulpotomy medicament in a permanent molar with pulpitis: a case report

Full Pulpotomy as a Treatment for Irreversible Pulpitis in Permanent Teeth: A Systematic Review of the Literature Based on Case Reports

The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the current evidence of case reports where the treatment for permanent teeth with a diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis was a full pulpotomy. This study was carried out by two reviewers following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A systematic electronic search was carried out in the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases until the year 2022 to find articles in English where the treatment for irreversible pulpitis in permanent teeth was a full pulpotomy. Literature reviews, in vitro or animal studies, abstracts, and unpublished data were excluded. The intervention, control, and outcome parameters were selected following the "Population, Interventions, Control, and Outcome" (PICO) guidelines. A total of 636 articles were found, and 14 articles were selected to be included in this review. The selected articles describe cases of full pulpotomies in mature permanent teeth with a diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis with a total of 34 (100%) successful cases, where 18 were men and 16 were women, with an average age of 19.20 ± 10.59 years and an average follow-up of 35.82 ± 26.39 months, with 12 months being the minimum follow-up time. The material used most frequently for obturation of the full pulpotomy was mineral trioxide aggregate in 16 cases (47.06%). Within the limitations of this review, full pulpotomy presents a high success rate regardless of the tooth, age, or sex as a treatment for teeth diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Dentistry

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), a second-generation platelet concentrate, has been widely recognized in numerous studies for its performance of wound healing and regeneration in dentistry. However, bibliometric analysis of PRF in dentistry is still scarce. Thus, this study aimed to conduct and delineate a bibliometric analysis of the application of PRF and its changing trend in dentistry. All papers concerning PRF up to 30 June 2022 were included in the literature search from the Web of Science Core Collection database. These data were then entered into Microsoft Excel, analyzed by the SAS statistical software, and visualized by the VOSviewer software. A total of 562 articles were retrieved following the exclusive criteria. The results demonstrated that the trend of annual publication increased continually (p for trend < 0.01), more notably in the last five years. The majority of the articles were original (58.01%), followed by reviews (17.08%), and case reports (10.14%). The three major study designs were clinical studies (20.11%), randomized controlled trials (17.62%), and review/meta-analysis (17.08%). PRF was most frequently employed in oral surgery (31.14%), periodontal regeneration (22.42%), and implant therapy (18.68%). Turkey (16.19%), India (12.28%) and China (7.12%) were the top 3 countries publishing PRF studies. By comparing the total number of publications, total citation counts and varying counting methods, a combination of numerous counting methods was suggested for use since each counting method yields different results. Taken together, we hope with these informative findings, researchers could focus on the future direction or advancement in PRF, laying a foundation for evidence-based dentistry.

Effectiveness of Three Agents in Pulpotomy Treatment of Permanent Molars with Incomplete Root Development: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare, radiographically and clinically, the impacts of calcium-silicate based-cement (CSBC), nano-hydroxyapatite and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) as pulpotomy agents in permanent immature molars with incomplete root development. Sixty-three participants (63 permanent immature molars) were included in this study. The patients were randomly divided into three equal groups. Fast setting MTA (MM-MTA), nano-hydroxyapatite and platelet-rich fibrin were used as pulpotomy agents. The teeth were evaluated clinically and radiographically after 6 and 12 months by two blinded examiners. Apical closure and pulp canal obliteration percentages were recorded. The in vitro reaction of the tested materials after a 7-day immersion period of the different materials in phosphate-buffered solution was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy to associate the in vitro mineralization with in vivo pulp canal obliteration percentages. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and ANOVA tests (α = 0.05). No significant difference was found between the three tested groups in terms of clinical and radiographic success (p > 0.05). All cases demonstrated evidence of root growth, including complete apical closure or continued apical closure. At 12 months, complete apical closure was found among the MM-MTA group (50%), nano-hydroxyapatite group (55%) and platelet-rich fibrin group (60%) (p > 0.05). After 12 months, pulp canal obliteration was more observed in the MM-MTA and nano-hydroxyapatite groups than in the PRF group (p < 0.05). MM-MTA (auto-mixed), NHA (hand-mixed) and PRF (autologous) could be used as pulpotomy agents since they exhibit comparable high clinical and radiographic success rates. However, the fact that the groups managed with MM-MTA and NHA have a higher tendency to canal obliteration might indicate that PRF should be considered the first choice material as pulpotomy agent, as it would make retreatment considerably easier.

Platelet-Rich Fibrin Used in Regenerative Endodontics and Dentistry: Current Uses, Limitations, and Future Recommendations for Application

Regenerative endodontics has introduced numerous procedures such as pulp implantation, revascularization, and postnatal stem cell therapy. Revascularization has been successfully implemented clinically nowadays, thus providing dentists with outrageous results. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) used either alone or along with bone graft promotes bone growth and vascularization. This matrix promotes migration, cell attachment, and proliferation of osteoblast that leads to bone formation. PRF consists of a packed fibrin complex consisting of leukocytes, cytokines, and glycoproteins such as thrombospondin. The usage of PRF has reported high success rates in surgical cases such as sinus lift procedures, healing of extraction sockets, and management of periapical abscesses. Compared to platelet-rich plasma, PRF is more economical, easy to prepare, and feasible to use in daily clinical practices. Revascularization compromised the induction of a blood clot into the root canal space, which emerged as a clinical triumph. This further led to platelet concentrates as an autologous scaffold on which revascularization could occur. The applications of PRF in regenerative endodontics are numerous, such as an agent for repairing iatrogenic perforation of the pulpal floor and for the revascularization of immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulps. It acts as a matrix for tissue ingrowth. Evidence of progressive thickening of dentinal walls, root lengthening, regression in the periapical lesion, and apical closure was reported. Further studies are needed to clarify the precise mechanism of action of PRF for dental pulp regeneration both in vitro and in vivo. The current review aims at the present uses of PRF in regenerative endodontics dentistry and its application with future recommendations and limitations.

Human amniotic membrane as therapeutic agent in pulpotomy of permanent molars

A 22-year-old woman reported with a cariously exposed mandibular molar. Pulpotomy was planned rather than routine root canal treatment, which was otherwise indicated. Amniotic membrane (AM) that has been extensively researched in different fields of medicine was used as the pulpotomy agent. After gaining coronal access to the root orifices, bleeding was arrested and activated AM was placed over the root stumps. Glass ionomer cement(GIC) was placed over the membrane and temporary restoration was done. One week later, permanent restoration with composite resin was done. The patient's symptoms resolved, and the tooth started responding normally to vitality tests at subsequent follow-ups. The present case report is an attempt to use human AM as a natural pulpotomy agent for treating irreversible pulpitis in permanent teeth. Understanding of innumerable beneficial properties of the AM and its application in preserving vitality of permanent teeth is the main learning objective.

Effect of five dental pulp capping agents on cell proliferation, viability, apoptosis and mineralization of human dental pulp cells

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)₂], mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), iRoot BP, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and concentrated growth factors (CGF) on the proliferation, viability, apoptosis and mineralization of human dental pulp cells (HDPCs). HDPCs were treated with Ca(OH)₂, MTA, iRoot BP, PRF and CGF exudates. Cell viability, apoptosis, proliferation, cell cycle and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were evaluated in vitro. PRF significantly increased the cell proliferation as compared with that in the MTA and iRoot BP groups on day 3. The CGF group displayed higher proliferation rates as compared with that in the MTA group on days 3 and 7. The MTA group displayed the highest ALP activity on days 1 and 3, and the CGF group on day 7. Ca(OH)₂ inhibited cell proliferation and the percentages of dead and apoptotic cells were relatively higher in the Ca(OH)₂ group on days 1, 3 and 7 compared with those in the other groups. In conclusion, PRF and CGF may be potential pulp-capping materials for vital pulp therapy. Future in vivo studies are required to confirm this.

Assessing Inflammatory Status of Pulp in Irreversible Pulpitis Cases with Pulse oximeter and Dental Hemogram

Objective: This study evaluated pulse oximetry and dental hemogram in teeth with the clinical diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis (IP) to assess the inflammatory status of the pulp. Study design: The study and control groups (30n each) had teeth with IP and sound teeth respectively. Patients in the study group had night pain with or without pain on mastication (NM, N). Blood oxygen saturation (%SpO2) was recorded with a custom made pulse oximeter (CPO). For dental and peripheral hemogram, smears were made for each patient from the first drop of blood while entering the pulp and finger blood respectively. Results: Control group had mean %SpO2 in finger 91% (86-97); and in teeth 84% (80-91), while the study group had mean %SpO2 in finger 92% (88-98) and in teeth 83% (71-94). Fifty percent of IP cases were vital while no tooth showed necrosis according to CPO which was further confirmed by bleeding status from the pulp. Based on the findings of the clinical diagnosis, %SpO2 and bleeding status of IP and normal cases, the terminology as coronal or total pulpitis seems more appropriate. The statistical difference was significant in fingers while non-significant in teeth of IP and normal pulp cases. Dental hemogram of IP cases showed an overall significant fall of neutrophil, lymphocyte, eosinophil and monocyte counts compared to normal. Conclusion: Pulse oximetry was the most accurate pulp test to diagnose vitality in normal as well as inflamed pulps while hemogram was inconclusive for the same.

Biological approach in repair of partially inflamed dental pulp using second-generation platelet-rich fibrin and mineral trioxide aggregate as a pulp medicament in primary molars

AIM

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare clinically and radiographically PRF, MTA and Ca(OH)2 as a pulp dressing material in primary molars.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was conducted on 30 children between 6-9 years of age. Pulpotomy was performed using MTA(Gp I), PRF + MTA(Gp II) and PRF +Ca(OH)₂(Group III). The teeth were evaluated clinically and radiographically after 1,3 and 6 months and were subjected to statistics analysis.

RESULTS

After 6 months follow-up the overall success rate was found to be highest in Gp I with success rate of 97% followed by Gp II 95% and Gp III 78.3%. The results were found to be statistically insignificant (P ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSION

All materials used in the present study were equally effective as the success rates are statistically insignificant.

Which procedures and materials could be applied for full pulpotomy in permanent mature teeth? A systematic review

Objective: Coronal pulpotomies were recently re-investigated as an alternative to root canal treatment in vital permanent teeth. General dentists may be interested in knowing how to perform full pulpotomy, in particular in face of difficult endodontic cases of vital teeth. Material and methods: A systematic review was undertaken on the PubMed and Cochrane databases in order to determine which procedure should be applied for pulp capping and coronal restoration in routine dental practice. Fifty-three publications were included and allocated to one of two methodological categories: histological and clinical studies. Results and conclusions: There is no evidence to recommend one single procedure for full pulpotomy in vital permanent teeth that can be indicated for different pulpal diagnoses which differ greatly in terms of the inflammation process from healthy teeth to irreversible pulpitis. For each clinical case, all actions aiming to prevent pre-operative contamination, to control per-operative infection and to achieve a complete seal above the radicular pulp sections are unavoidable steps that should be complied with. Reproducing procedures adopted in high quality trials could insure high success rates.

Effect of Liquid Platelet-rich Fibrin and Platelet-rich Plasma on the Regenerative Potential of Dental Pulp Cells Cultured under Inflammatory Conditions: A Comparative Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been widely used in regenerative dentistry for over 2 decades. Nevertheless, previous studies have shown that its growth factor content is released over a short time period, and the application of anticoagulants limits its regenerative potential. Therefore, a second-generation platelet concentrate (liquid platelet-rich fibrin [PRF]) was developed without the use of anticoagulants and with shorter centrifugation times. The purpose of the present study was to compare the cellular regenerative activity of human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) when cultured with either liquid PRF or traditional PRP.

METHODS

The regenerative potential of hDPCs isolated from healthy human third molars (18-22 years, n = 5) was investigated in both normal and inflammatorylike conditions (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]) and assessed for their potential for dentin repair. The effects of liquid PRF and PRP were assessed for cellular migration, proliferation, and odontoblastic differentiation using a transwell assay, scratch assay, proliferation assay, alkaline phosphatase assay, alizarin red staining, and real-time polymerase chain reaction for genes encoding collagen type 1 alpha 1, dentin sialophosphoprotein, and dentin matrix protein 1, respectively. The effects of both platelet concentrates were also assessed for their ability to influence nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (p65) by immunofluorescence, and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction for genes encoding interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and nuclear factor kappa B (p65) during an inflammatory condition.

RESULTS

Both PRP and liquid PRF increased the migration and proliferation of hDPCs when compared with the control group, whereas liquid PRF showed a notable significant increase in migration when compared with PRP. Furthermore, liquid PRF induced significantly greater alkaline phosphatase activity, alizarin red staining, and a messenger RNA expression of genes encoding collagen type 1 alpha 1, dentin sialophosphoprotein, and dentin matrix protein 1 when compared with PRP. When hDPCs were cultured with LPS to stimulate an inflammatory environment, a marked decrease in dentin-related repair was observed. When liquid PRF was cultured within this inflammatory environment, the reduced regenerative potential in this LPS-produced environment was significantly and markedly improved, facilitating hDPC regeneration. The messenger RNA expression of inflammatory markers including tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1β, and p65 were all significantly decreased in the presence of liquid PRF, and, furthermore, liquid PRF also inhibited the transport of p65 to the nucleus in hDPCs (suggesting a reduced inflammatory condition).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from the present study suggest that liquid PRF promoted greater regeneration potential of hDPCs when compared with traditional PRP. Furthermore, liquid PRF also attenuated the inflammatory condition created by LPS and maintained a supportive regenerative ability for the stimulation of odontoblastic differentiation and reparative dentin in hDPCs.

Efficacy of platelet concentrates in pulpotomy - a systematic review

The main purpose of the present systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of platelet concentrates in pulpotomy of human teeth. Our systematic search included Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, key journals, and review articles; the date of the last search was July 30, 2017. We graded the methodological quality of the studies by Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Four randomized controlled trails were included in the present systematic review. The number of study participants ranged from 28 to 50, with a mean of 45.5. The age of study participants ranged between 4 and 25 years. In three of the included studies, platelet-rich fibrin (autologous) was used and in one study lyophilized freeze-dried platelet (allogenic) was used as pulpotomy material. Calcium hydroxide and mineral trioxide aggregate were used in control groups. The quality assessment rated three studies as being of fair quality and one study as poor quality. Two of the included studies showed a 100% success of pulpotomy with platelet concentrates and two studies showed more than 80% of success, but the difference between control group and platelet concentrates group was not statistically significant. To conclude, the number of publications that met all inclusion criteria was found to be very limited and no significant difference was reported in the studies comparing platelet concentrates with other materials in pulpotomy. The present results point to the need for high-quality randomized controlled trials in further research.

Mineral trioxide aggregate and other bioactive endodontic cements: an updated overview - part I: vital pulp therapy

Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is a bioactive endodontic cement (BEC) mainly comprised of calcium and silicate elements. The cement was introduced by Torabinejad in the 1990s and has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to be used in the United States in 1997. A number of new BECs have also been introduced to the market, including BioAggregate, Biodentine, BioRoot RCS, calcium-enriched mixture cement, Endo-CPM, Endocem, EndoSequence, EndoBinder, EndoSeal MTA, iRoot, MicroMega MTA, MTA Bio, MTA Fillapex, MTA Plus, NeoMTA Plus, OrthoMTA, Quick-Set, RetroMTA, Tech Biosealer and TheraCal LC. It has been claimed that these materials have properties similar to those of MTA without its drawbacks. In this article, the chemical composition and the application of MTA and other BECs for vital pulp therapy (VPT), including indirect pulp cap, direct pulp cap, partial pulpotomy, pulpotomy and partial pulpectomy, have been reviewed and compared. Based on selected keywords, all papers regarding chemical composition and VPT applications of BECs had been reviewed. Most of the materials had calcium and silicate in their composition. Instead of referring to the cements based on their chemical compositions, we suggest the term 'bioactive endodontic cements (BECs)', which seems more appropriate for these materials because, in spite of differences in their chemical compositions, bioactivity is a common property for all of them. Numerous articles were found regarding use of BECs as VPT agents for indirect and direct pulp capping, partial pulpotomy and cervical pulpotomy. Most of these investigations used MTA for VPT. In most studies, newly introduced materials have been compared to MTA. Some of the BECs have shown promising results; however, the number of their studies compared to investigations on MTA is limited. Most studies had several methodological shortcomings. Future investigations with rigorous methods and materials are needed.

The impact of autologous platelet concentrates on endodontic healing: a systematic review

The current literature was reviewed to determine the impact of autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) on endodontic healing. All types of clinical study designs concerning any kind of endodontic treatment involving the application of APCs were included. Two independent reviewers searched three databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library) for studies, complemented by hand search, until 16/1/2016. From the 423 identified records, 48 articles met the inclusion criteria. Selected randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) underwent Cochrane Collaboration's risk-of-bias assessment and data extraction. Only two RCTs showed low risk of bias. There was considerable heterogeneity between the RCTs with regard to the type of therapy, type of APCs, assessment method, and study quality, and therefore the data could not be analyzed quantitatively. The included case reports/series and non-randomized comparative studies underwent qualitative analysis with the revised Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) and data extraction. The two comparative non-randomized studies scored qualitatively high, though the MINORS-scores of the case series and reports were dispersed. APCs were involved in five endodontic treatment modalities, namely apexification, regenerative endodontic procedures, pulpotomy, apical surgery, and treatment of endo-perio/perio-endo lesions. APCs seem to accelerate postoperative bone healing, augment the patients' postoperative quality of life, aid further root development, and support maintenance/regaining of pulp vitality. No adverse events were reported. APCs in endodontic treatments seem to contribute to the healing of soft and hard tissues, though there is a lack of long-term high quality clinical trials and standardized treatment protocols.

Comparative evaluation of platelet-rich fibrin, mineral trioxide aggregate, and calcium hydroxide as pulpotomy agents in permanent molars with irreversible pulpitis: A randomized controlled trial

Background:

Pulpotomy has been proposed as an alternative for the management of irreversible pulpitis in permanent molars with closed apices.

Aim:

To compare the performances of calcium hydroxide (CH), mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) as pulpotomy agents in mature permanent molars with irreversible pulpitis.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty-four permanent mandibular molars with carious exposure and symptoms of irreversible pulpitis were randomly allocated to three groups, and full pulpotomy was performed using CH_, MTA, or PRF as pulpotomy agents. Pain intensity was recorded using numeric rating scale score at baseline, 24 h, 7 days, 6 months, and 1 year. Clinical and radiographic assessments were done at 6 months and 1 year.

Statistical Analysis:

Kruskal–Wallis test and Friedman test were used for intergroup and intragroup comparison of pain scores, respectively. The radiographic outcomes between the three study arms were compared using Chi-square test.

Results:

Clinical success rate was 94.4% at 7 days, which dropped to 85.4% at 12 months. All three agents were equally effective in providing pain relief at all the intervals tested, with no significant difference between them (P > 0.05 at all intervals). However, at 6 months and 12 months, 26.2% and 52.4% teeth depicted slight widening of periodontal ligament space. No significant difference was observed between the radiographic success rates observed with the three groups (P = 0.135 at 6 months, 0.717 at 12 months).

Conclusion:

Pulpotomy exhibited a high clinical success rate in mature molars with irreversible pulpitis and selection of biomaterial did not affect its outcome.

Coronal Pulpotomy Technique Analysis as an Alternative to Pulpectomy for Preserving the Tooth Vitality, in the Context of Tissue Regeneration: A Correlated Clinical Study across 4 Adult Permanent Molars

Aim. (1) The aim of the clinical study revolves around the accurate diagnosis, proper case selection, and the management of acute irreversible pulpitis in permanent molars with closed apices using conservative and economical treatment modalities like vital pulpotomies with regenerative approaches over conventional root canal procedures. (2) To evaluate the use of autologous substances such as platelet concentrates and calcium silicate based materials in promoting the healing and regeneration of the inflamed pulp. Summary. Vital pulpotomy was performed on 5 carious involved, permanent molars diagnosed with acute irreversible pulpitis in 17- to 22-year-old patients. Taking into consideration the patient's age and the condition of the underlying pulp tissue, PRF pulpotomy was planned in view of preserving the vitality of the intact radicular pulps. Regenerative procedures with second generation blood matrices were chosen to encourage the recovery of the inflamed pulps. The systematic follow-up examinations performed at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 22, and 24 months revealed a successful clinical and radiological outcome. Within the limits of the present clinical study and correlating the success across the treated clinical cases, we safely conclude the potential scope of regenerative pulpotomy approaches in acute irreversible pulpitis in adult permanent teeth.

Platelet rich fibrin - a novel acumen into regenerative endodontic therapy

Research into regenerative dentistry has added impetus onto the field of molecular biology. It can be documented as a prototype shift in the therapeutic armamentarium for dental disease. Regenerative endodontic procedures are widely being added to the current armamentarium of pulp therapy procedures. The regenerative potential of platelets has been deliberated. A new family of platelet concentrates called the platelet rich fibrin (PRF) has been recently used by several investigators and has shown application in diverse disciplines of dentistry. This paper is intended to add light on the various prospects of PRF and clinical insights to regenerative endodontic therapy.

A natural meliorate: revolutionary tissue engineering in endodontics

Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) was first described by Choukroun et al., (2001). It has been referred to as a second-generation platelet concentrate, which has been shown to have several advantages over traditionally prepared platelet-rich plasma. PRF has a physiologic architecture that is very favourable to the healing process, obtained due to the slow polymerization process. The development of platelet concentrate as bioactive surgical additives that are applied locally to promote wound healing stems from the use of fibrin adhesive. Developments in the field of tissue engineering have made the generation of artificial substitutes in several areas of medicine. Various clinical applications in endodontics include Periapical surgeries, Revascularisationprocedures, Regenerative pulpotomy, Perforation repair. This article aims to discuss the various applications of PRF in the field of Endodontics with few case reports.