Evolving Primary Pulp Therapy Techniques

Author(s): Yacobi, R., et all.
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Main Purpose:
Evaluate pulpectomies followed by zinc oxide obturation for inflamed or cariously infected vital pulps of anterior and posterior primary teeth
Method:
- Sample included 106 children (56 boys and 50 girls) mean age 3.3 years
- Pulps extirpated, canals irrigated with water and dried with air
- ZOE used to fill canals short of apex to prevent apical extrusion
- Anterior teeth restored with composite and posterior teeth restored with SSC
- Teeth evaluated clinically and post operatively at 6 and 12 months by four different pediatric dentists
- Treatment classified as a failure if one or more of the following clinical signs appeared: pain, swelling, abscess, or fistulous tract
Findings:
-89% success rate for anterior teeth at 6 months and 76% success rate at 12 months postoperatively
-92% success rate for posterior teeth at 6 months and 84% at 12 months postoperatively
-No statistically significant differences found between success rates for maxillary and mandibular teeth at either 6 month or 12 month post-op
-More underfilled teeth failed when compared to those completely filled; overfilling is not preferred to underfilling because of the foreign body reaction which may occur from extrusion of ZOE beyond the root apex
-100% of posterior teeth demonstrated clinical success results at 12 months
-84% of posterior teeth demonstrated radiographic success results at 12 months

Conclusions:
Pulpectomy technique is as effective as for primary posterior teeth as formocresol pulpotomies at 1 year

Assessment of article:
Good article