The evaluation of MTA and Biodentine as a pulpotomy materials for carious exposures in primary teeth.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effects of MTA and Biodentine on the clinical and radiographic success rates of pulpotomies performed on primary teeth with carious pulp exposures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted with 44 mandibular primary molars requiring vital pulpotomy. Carious dentin surrounding the exposure site was used as the inclusion criteria for all teeth, which were randomly divided into two groups according to pulpotomy material [MTA group (n = 24), Biodentine group (n = 20)]. Treatment was followed up clinically and radiologically for 24 months. Pulp canal obliteration was not regarded as a failure. RESULTS: Clinical and radiographic success rates at the end of 24 months were 100% for the MTA group and 89.4% for the Biodentine group. Success rates did not vary significantly between the groups (p = 0.646). Pulp canal obliteration was observed in two teeth (8.3%) in the MTA group at 6 months, but the teeth were found to be stabilized by 24 months. CONCLUSION: The long-term clinical and radiographic success rates obtained in this study indicate that both MTA and Biodentine are appropriate options for pulpotomy treatment of primary teeth with carious exposure in patients whose teeth should be retained for long periods of time. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The etiology of exposure determines pulpal response, making it crucial to distinguish between mechanical and carious exposures. The carious exposure is presumed to be accompanied by severe inflammation, which makes the prognosis of treatment unpredictable. Biomaterials can be used especially in cases with carious pulp exposures.

Carious Exposure versus Mechanical Exposure for MTA Pulpotomy in Primary Teeth.

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.

Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma as a scaffold in regenerative endodontic treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Current research is concerned with discovering better scaffolds for use in regenerative endodontic treatment. This study aimed to clinically and radiographically evaluate the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) used as a scaffold in regenerative endodontic treatment and compare it with that of a conventional blood clot (BC) scaffold. METHODS: A total of 20 necrotic, single-rooted immature teeth were randomly distributed into 2 groups. After disinfecting the root canal space with triple antibiotic paste (1:1:1 ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and cefaclor), a tissue scaffold was created by using either PRP or BC and covered with white mineral trioxide aggregate. Clinical and radiographic follow-up examinations were performed once every 3 months during an 18-month period. Differences in root area were calculated from preoperative and postoperative radiographs. Fisher exact and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to evaluate differences between groups, with P value <.05 considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: All 20 teeth were clinically asymptomatic during 18-month follow-up period; however, 1 tooth in the BC group exhibited periapical pathosis and was judged radiographically unsuccessful. Complete apical closure was observed in a mean of 8.1 months in the PRP group compared with 9 months in the BC group. The PRP group exhibited 9.86% increase in root area, compared with 12.6% increase in the BC group. The difference in success rates between the groups was not statistically significant (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: PRP successfully created a scaffold for regenerative endodontic treatment; however, treatment outcomes did not differ significantly between PRP and conventional BC scaffold.