Indirect Pulp Treatment of Primary Posterior Teeth: A Retrospective Study

Resident: Adam J. Bottrill
Date: 13OCT10
Region: Providence
Article title: Indirect Pulp Treatment of Primary Posterior Teeth: A Retrospective Study.
Author(s): Al-Zayer, Mohammed A. et al.
Journal: Pediatric Dentistry
Page #s: 29-36
Year: 2003
Major topic: Primary Molar Indirect Pulp Therapy
Minor topic(s): NA
Type of Article: Retrospective analysis of the success of indirect pulp caps.
Main Purpose: To assess retrospectively the clinical and radiographic success of indirect pulp treatment (IPC) on primary posterior teeth, and to compare the influence of caries risk, skills of the operator, and restorative material on the success of IPT.

Key points in the article discussion:

I. General:

A. 250 records... 132 patients met inclusion criteria... 187 primary posterior teeth treated with IPT.
B. Data analyzed over 2wks-72mos.
C. "Pulp Cap": The procedures or steps taken to protect or maintain the vitality of the carious tooth that, if completely excavated, the decay would result in pulp exposure."

II. Results:

A. Success of IPT was 95% with only 9 failures.
B. 1 yr probability of survival 96%
C. Use of base over CaOH liner greatly increases success of IPT
D. SSC significant improvement over amalgam
E. Primary first molar IPT failed significantly more than primary second molars.
F. No difference in maxillary vs mandibular molars.

II. Conclusion:

A. IPT is a succesful technique and should be considered as an alternative pulp therapy for deeply carious primary posterior teeth.
B. SSC's increase overall prognosis of IPT'd teeth.


Assessment of article: Solid Article. Reinforced what we've come to know as "standard of care"