Carious Exposure versus Mechanical Exposure for MTA Pulpotomy in Primary Teeth

Abstract

Introduction. The etiology of exposure determines pulpal response, making it crucial to distinguish between mechanical and carious exposure. This study clinically and radiographically evaluated the success of MTA pulpotomies conducted to treat carious and mechanical pulp exposure. Materials and Methods. This study was conducted with 50 mandibular primary molar teeth. Teeth were divided into 2 groups according to status of the exposure site, with teeth surrounded by carious dentin placed in a carious exposure group and those surrounded by sound dentin in a mechanical exposure group. MTA pulpotomies were performed for both groups. Treatment was followed up clinically and radiographically for 18 months. Results. Clinical and radiographic success rates at 18 months were 100% for both groups. Success rates did not vary significantly between the groups (p = 1.000). Pulp canal obliteration was only seen in the carious exposure group, observed in 2 teeth (8.3%). Conclusion. The long term success rates achieved in this study indicate that MTA can be used as a vital pulpotomy material for the long term success in primary teeth with either mechanical or carious exposure. The findings of the present study highlight the fact that treatment prognosis is dependent upon diagnosis and selection of the appropriate materials for treatment.

Success Rates of Pulpotomies in Primary Molars Using Calcium Silicate-Based Materials: A Randomized Control Trial

“…PCO is a common radiographic finding in pulpotomized teeth. Although some investigators [ 51 ] have considered PCO to constitute a radiographic failure because it demonstrates a deviation from normal pulp, most investigators [ 46 , 52 – 54 ] agree to the contrary, since PCO results from the extensive activity of odontoblast-like cells that suggests retained vitality. In the present study, PCO was not regarded as a failure and was the most commonly observed radiographic finding.…”

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

“…ProRoot MTA and formocresol were not significantly different in the success rates of the materials in carious and mechanical exposures (Ozdemir et al . , Çelik & Sarı ). However, calcium hydroxide had a significantly higher success rate in sound, intact primary teeth compared to those that were cariously exposed.…”

Relationship between the remaining dentin thickness and coronal pulp status of decayed primary molars

“…In deep decayed temporary molars, it is impossible to accurately assess the pulpal inflammatory status and its severity, both of which are key factors for assessing prognosis in primary teeth. [ 21 ]…”