Morphometric parameters of dental pulp in immature teeth in a sheep model after mechanical pulp exposure and restoration with reinforced zinc oxide-eugenol.

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate the morphometric parameters of dental pulp in open apices immature teeth in a sheep model after mechanical pulp exposure and restoration with reinforced zinc oxide-eugenol. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, a total of 12 immature mandibular central incisors from six adult male sheep, weighing 30-40 kg and with the age of 1 year old with Merino race were examined. After anesthesia, the pulps of the teeth in the case group were mechanically exposed and then were restored with reinforced zinc oxide-eugenol and amalgam. In the control group, the teeth remained intact. The animals were sacrificed at intervals of 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks (E2, E4, E6, and E8) in the case and 2 and 8 weeks (C2 and C8) in the control groups. Then, their teeth were removed with the surrounding supporting tissues and alveolar bones. Tissue processing and staining were done, and the sections were examined under a light microscope. The Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyze the data and compare the changes between the two groups. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In response to mechanical exposure, reparative or tertiary dentin was formed, and its thickness increased during the time of the study. The thickness of the odontoblastic layer in the E4 group was the highest amount. The pulp chamber diameter in the C2 group was significantly larger than the other groups, and the diameter of the apical foramen in the E8 was decreased significantly compared to the controls (P < 0.05). Conclusion: In response to mechanical exposure and restoration with reinforced zinc oxide-eugenol, some morphometric parameters of the dental pulp changed significantly in the sheep model compared to the controls.

Evaluation of the reasons for preferring root canal treatment in mature permanent teeth potentially indicated for pulp preservation: a clinical case/photo-based questionnaire study.

BACKGROUND: With advances in pulp preservation procedures (PPP), indications for PPP extend to exposed pulp with symptoms in teeth with carious lesions. Scenario/text-based questionnaire studies report a high preference for PPP for exposed pulp with no pulpal symptoms. However, negative perceptions towards PPP for exposed pulp in carious teeth are prevalent among dentists. Identifying the differences in PPP preference rates in questionnaire studies and actual clinical situations is necessary to determine the current status of PPP. In this study, a clinical case/photo-based design was devised to overcome the limitations of scenario/text-based questionnaires. This study aimed to evaluate the reasons dentists prefer root canal treatment (RCT) in cases where PPP is potentially indicated. METHODS: A questionnaire containing three cases of PPP with successful results was administered to dentists. The cases were selected to elicit comprehensive responses from the dentists. Clinical photos of the pulp exposure sites were presented to dentists without describing the tooth conditions, including the extent of pulp exposure and tooth decay, pulpal surface conditions, or restorability. The questions were focused on the reasons for selecting RCT in cases where was practiced. Questionnaire data were collected using Google e-forms. Chi-squared and Fisher's exact test (P < 0.05) were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: Pulpal diagnosis was not a dominant factor in treatment decision-making for pulp exposure during caries removal. Reasons for selecting RCT where PPP was potentially indicated included the event of pulp exposure itself and the dentists' desire to prevent post-PPP symptoms. Apart from symptomatic pulp, the tooth conditions influenced the establishment of pulpal diagnosis and selection of treatment modality. Moreover, the tooth condition and dentists' desire for good patient prognosis influenced the negative perceptions towards PPP. CONCLUSIONS: Unfavourable tooth conditions, in association with a desire for preventing post-PPP symptoms, prevent dentists from attempting PPP for pulp exposed during caries removal with no/slight symptoms. Improving negative perceptions towards PPP through accumulation of data on the high success rates of PPP is a prerequisite for achieving widespread application of PPP.

A Partial Pulpotomy in Traumatized Permanent Incisors With Pulp Exposure.

A complicated crown fracture in a permanent incisor is one of the most difficult traumatic dental injuries to deal with. Treatment involves multiple visits and invasive intraoperative interventions and this is a very costly procedure. However, progress in vital pulp therapy and adhesive dentistry may allow practitioners to treat these injuries with a conservative method. Correct diagnosis of the pulp is important as it forms the basis for the establishment of an appropriate management strategy. A partial pulpotomy is indicated if the patient has significant pulp exposure or if it is reported after a considerable delay. It has been reported that partial pulpotomies after complicated crown fractures have a 96% success rate. Other studies have reported that partial pulpotomy is a treatment of choice after a complicated traumatic crown fracture, with a very high success record. Traditionally, calcium hydroxide has been applied as a dressing agent. However, research has recently focused on other calcium silicate cements (CSC), such as Biodentine (BD). This study aimed to illustrate the successful management of a vital permanent incisor with complicated crown fractures, which were treated by partial pulpotomy using Biodentine material and evaluated for healing clinically and radiographically. No radiographic signs of failure or clinical symptoms were detected over a one-year period.

Effectiveness of vital pulp treatment in managing nontraumatic pulpitis associated with no or nonspontaneous pain: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The exposed pulp has been the topic of numerous studies, but well-designed and well-executed comparative trials on the outcome and treatment of these teeth have been limited. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to answer the following questions: in patients with nontraumatic pulpitis associated with no or nonspontaneous pain in permanent teeth, (i) is direct pulp capping or pulpotomy (partial/full) as effective as selective or stepwise caries removal [Population/participants, Intervention(s), Comparator(s)/control, Outcome(s) (PICO) 1], (ii) is pulpotomy (partial/full) as effective as direct pulp capping (PICO 2) and (iii) is pulpotomy (partial/full) as effective as a pulpectomy (PICO 3), in terms of a combination of patient and clinical reported outcomes, with 'tooth survival' as the most critical outcome? METHODS: A literature search was conducted using Clarivate Analytics' Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to November 3rd 2021. Grey literature and contents of the major subject journals were examined. Eligibility criteria followed the PICO questions. Two independent reviewers performed study selection, data extraction and appraisal; disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer. The risk of bias was assessed by the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. RESULTS: Three randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included in the review. No study fulfilled the criteria to answer PICO 1. There were no significant differences in the reported outcomes between investigated treatments in all included RCTs. None of the included studies reported the most critical outcome 'tooth survival'. A high loss of patients during the follow-up period was observed. DISCUSSION: Although a few studies fulfilled strict eligible criteria, the results of this systematic review clearly highlight a paucity of available evidence. At the present time, clinical decisions cannot be substantiated by direct comparative trials. CONCLUSIONS: Based on limited evidence, this systematic review discovered no significant differences in effectiveness between compared vital pulp treatments in managing nontraumatic pulpitis associated with no or nonspontaneous pain. Further high-quality RCTs are necessary to investigate the effectiveness of direct pulp capping or pulpotomy (partial/full) compared to selective or stepwise caries removal. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO database (CRD42021259742).

Partial Pulpotomy as an Applicable Treatment Option for Cariously Exposed Posterior Permanent Teeth: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials.

The major focus of this systematic review is to assess how effective partial pulpotomy is in managing carious vital pulp exposures in permanent posterior teeth. An electronic search for studies published between January 2011 and December 2021 was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria were followed during the search process. We selected human randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that investigated the success rate of partial pulpotomy for the treatment of cariously exposed vital permanent posterior teeth and the success rate of decayed exposed vital human permanent posterior dentition managed with a partial pulpotomy. Exclusively, randomized clinical trial papers were considered for assessment. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool was applied to assess the risk of bias. Four papers were selected for the final analysis from the 321 identified during the initial search. Our results showed that after six, 12, and 24 months of follow-up, the success rate was 94%, 93%, and 90%, respectively. The preoperative pulp state was the only significant predictive factor. Teeth with the presumptive diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis had the worse outcome. The treatment outcome was not influenced by the final restoration, pulp capping agent, apex closure, or patient age. Finally, the available data indicated that partial pulpotomy showed a high success rate in treating cariously exposed permanent posterior teeth for up to 24 months. When assessing the effectiveness of a partial pulpotomy, six months of maintenance is deemed adequate. To enhance treatment success, additional clinical and radiological measures are needed.

Pulpal expression of erythropoietin and erythropoietin receptor after direct pulp capping in rat.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of direct pulp capping on the expression of erythropoietin (Epo) and Epo-receptor (Epor) genes in relation to the expression of inflammatory and osteogenic genes in rat pulp. Dental pulps of the first maxillary molars of Wistar Albino rats were exposed and capped with either calcium hydroxide or mineral trioxide aggregate, or were left untreated. After 4 wk, animals were euthanized, and maxillae were prepared for histological and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Histological scores of pulp inflammation and mineralization, and relative expressions of Epo, Epor, inflammatory cytokines, and pulp osteogenic genes were evaluated. The capped pulps showed higher expressions of Epo, while the untreated pulps had the highest expression of Epor. Both calcium hydroxide and mineral trioxide aggregate downregulated the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha compared to untreated controls, and upregulated transforming growth factor beta compared to healthy controls. Alkaline phosphatase expression was significantly higher in experimental groups. Relative expression of Epo negatively correlated with pulp inflammation, and positively correlated with pulp mineralization. Pulp exposure promoted expression of Epor and pro-inflammatory cytokines, while pulp capping promoted expression of Epo, alkaline phosphatase, and downregulated Epor and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Vitronectin-Derived Peptide Promotes Reparative Dentin Formation.

Exposed dental pulp can maintain its vitality through a pulp-capping procedure with biocompatible materials, followed by reparative dentin formation. Our previous study demonstrated that a vitronectin-derived peptide (VnP-16) promotes osteoblast differentiation and concomitantly restrains osteoclast differentiation and resorptive function. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate that VnP-16 promotes odontoblast differentiation, mineralization, and reparative dentin formation in a pulp exposure model using a rat tooth. VnP-16 showed no cytotoxicity and promoted cellular behavior in human dental pulp cells, enhancing their differentiation into odontoblast-like cells and mineralization, effects that are comparable to those obtained with vitronectin. In a rat pulp exposure model, VnP-16 showed mild inflammatory responses at 2 and 4 wk or none. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) demonstrated a tendency of early formation of reparative dentin at 2 wk when compared with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) and VnP-16. However, VnP-16 induced reparative dentin formation similar to MTA and rhBMP-2 without inflammation at 4 wk. In addition, VnP-16 showed a thicker and homogeneous reparative dentin formation versus MTA and rhBMP-2. Collectively, these results suggest that VnP-16 can be a useful, direct pulp-capping agent for highly qualified reparative dentin formation by promoting cell behavior and odontoblastic differentiation of human dental pulp cells.

Place of a new radiological index in predicting pulp exposure before intervention for deep carious lesions.

BACKGROUND: During interventions for deep caries lesions without severe symptoms, preserving pulpal vitality is important to ensure treatment success, improve organ prognosis, and decrease cost-effectiveness. Current pre-operative radiographs allow visual estimation but not accurate measurement of lesion depth. PURPOSE: Investigate the ability of ratio 'remaining/total dentin thickness' (RDT/TDT, as determined on pre-operative radiographs) to predict pulp exposure during excavation. METHODS: This retrospective study (January 2018-June 2020) analyzed data on 360 patients. Four independent raters examined standard pre-operative radiographs and their contrasted versions. Lines put at the dentino-enamel junction, the floor of the carious lesion, and the pulp chamber wall allowed deriving RDT/TDT. Inter-rater agreements and concordance were assessed. A logistic regression accounting for measurement errors provided odds ratios that estimated the ability of the RDT/TDT to predict pulp exposure. RESULTS: The median RDT/TDT ratio ranges were 16.8-26.5% on standard and 16.2-24.6% on contrasted radiographs. Inter-rater agreements on RDT/TDT were rather poor and inter-rater reliability was low and similar in standard and contrasted radiographs: the concordance correlation coefficients (95% CIs) were estimated at 0.46 (0.40; 0.51) and 0.46 (0.40; 0.52), respectively. The risk of pulp exposure increased by 2.5 times [odds ratio (95% CI) 2.57 (2.06; 3.20)] per 10-point decrease of the ratio on standard radiographs vs. 4.15 (3.15; 5.46) on contrasted radiographs. CONCLUSION: RDT/TDT ratio is potentially helpful in predicting pulp exposure. However, the measurement errors on RDT and TDT being non-negligible and the interrater agreements poor, there is still place for advances through development of an automated process that will improve reliability and reproducibility of pulp exposure risk assessment. CLINICAL TRIAL: Trial registration number. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04607395, October 29, 2020.

Experimental resin-based dual-cured calcium aluminate and calcium titanate materials for vital pulp therapy

Abstract: This paper evaluates the physicochemical and biological properties of experimental resin-based dual-cured calcium aluminate (CA) and calcium titanate (CTi) materials for vital pulp therapy (VPT). The experimental dual-cured materials were obtained as two pastes: a) Bis-EMA 10, PEG 400, DHEPT, EDAB, camphorquinone, and butylated hydroxytoluene; and b) fluoride ytterbium, Bis-EMA 10, Bis-EMA 30, benzoyl peroxide, and butylated hydroxytoluene. The materials were divided into six groups based on the added calcium component: MTA (MTA®, Angelus); CLQ (Clinker-Fillapex®, Angelus); CA (calcined at ,1200°C in pastes a and b); CA800 (calcined at 800°C in paste a); CA1200 (calcined at 1,200°C in paste a); and CTi (paste a). The real-time degree of conversion and rate of polymerization (n = 3), diametral tensile strength (n = 10), hydrogen potential (n = 15), calcium ion release (n = 10), water sorption and solubility (n = 10), and cell viability (n = 6) were evaluated. One- and two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test were used in the analysis of the parametric data, and Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's multiple tests were used to analyze the nonparametric data (α = 0.05). CLQ, CA800 and CA1200 had the highest diametral tensile strength. The water solubility of MTA was similar to that of CA800, CA1200 and CTi. CA800 and CA1200 resulted in cell viabilities similar to those of MTA and CLQ. The experimental dual-cured CA-based material that calcined at 800°C showed physicochemical and biological properties suitable for VPT, and similar to those of MTA.

Upregulation of Toll-like Receptor 2 in Dental Primary Afferents Following Pulp Injury.

Pulpitis (toothache) is a painful inflammation of the dental pulp and is a prevalent problem throughout the world. This pulpal inflammation occurs in the cells inside the dental pulp, which have host defense mechanisms to combat oral microorganisms invading the pulp space of exposed teeth. This innate immunity has been well studied, with a focus on Toll-like receptors (TLRs). The function of TLR4, activated by Gram-negative bacteria, has been demonstrated in trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons for dental pain. Although Gram-positive bacteria predominate in the teeth of patients with caries and pulpitis, the role of TLR2, which is activated by Gram-positive bacteria, is poorly understood in dental primary afferent (DPA) neurons that densely innervate the dental pulp. Using Fura-2 based Ca2+ imaging, we observed reproducible intracellular Ca2+ responses induced by Pam3CSK4 and Pam2CSK4 (TLR2-specific agonists) in TG neurons of adult wild-type (WT) mice. The response was completely abolished in TLR2 knock-out (KO) mice. Single-cell RT-PCR detected Tlr2 mRNA in DPA neurons labeled with fluorescent retrograde tracers from the upper molars. Using the mouse pulpitis model, real-time RT-PCR revealed that Tlr2 and inflammatory-related molecules were upregulated in injured TG, compared to non-injured TG, from WT mice, but not from TLR2 KO mice. TLR2 protein expression was also upregulated in injured DPA neurons, and the change was corresponded with a significant increase in calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) expression. Our results provide a better molecular understanding of pulpitis by revealing the potential contribution of TLR2 to pulpal inflammatory pain.

Re-attachment of a Fractured Maxillary Central Incisor: A Case with Two Years Follow-up.

Crown re-attachment is the most conservative treatment that can be used to restore fractured tooth, even in an emergency situation. The re-attachment maintains original contour and incisal translucency of the tooth, and reduces the chair time and cost. In case of crown fracture with pin-point pulp exposure, irritation to the pulp should be minimised and consideration must be taken for pre-treatment pulpal status, choice of pulp capping material, choice of bonding system and treatment sequence during crown re-attachment procedures. This article reported a crown fracture case with pin-point pulp exposure that was treated using crown re-attachment with direct pulp capping. At two-year follow-up, the tooth was asymptomatic, remained functional, vital, and the appearance of restoration was acceptable with no colour change to the crown.

Hipoclorito de sódio na pulpotomia de dentes decíduos: uma revisão sistemática e meta-análise / Sodium hypochlorite in pulpotomy of deciduous teeth: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Justificativa /objetivos: A pulpotomia é uma terapia pulpar conservadora que visa manter a vitalidade da polpa sem a necessidade de procedimentos mais radicais como a pulpectomia ou exodontia. O objetivo desta revisão foi fornecer uma síntese da literatura avaliando a eficácia clínica e radiográfica do uso de hipoclorito de sódio (NaOCl) na pulpotomia de dentes decíduos e compará-lo com outros materiais utilizados para este procedimento. Metodologia: As buscas bibliográficas foram realizadas nas bases de dados Medline via PubMed, Medline via Ovid, Scopus, Lilacs, Embase, Biblioteca Cochrane e Web of Sciences. A busca na literatura cinzenta também foi realizada no Google Scholar, OpenGray, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) e ProQuest. Foram incluídos ensaios clínicos randomizados, ensaios clínicos não randomizados e estudos de coorte nos quais a pulpotomia em dentes decíduos com hipoclorito de sódio era comparada com a pulpotomia em dentes decíduos com outros materiais. Não foram colocadas restrições quanto ao idioma ou data de publicação ao pesquisar nas bases de dados eletrônicas. Os dados foram agrupados e analisados descritivamente. A avaliação qualitativa foi realizada de acordo com a ferramenta Cochrane de risco de viés. Foi utilizado o Rob-2 para ensaios clínicos randomizados, o ROBINS-I para ensaios clínicos não randomizados e a Escala de Newcastle-Ottawa para estudos de coorte. No software RevMan, foram realizadas meta-análises incorporando estudos metodologicamente homogêneos. Desfechos dicotômicos foram usados e incluíram sucesso clínico e radiográfico. O I2 foi utilizado para calcular a heterogeneidade dos estudos. Os resultados foram fornecidos em odds ratio e intervalo de confiança. Resultados: Um total de 2654 estudos foram inicialmente identificados por meio de buscas eletrônicas. Após descarte das duplicatas e leitura dos títulos e resumos dos artigos selecionados, 19 estudos foram considerados para leitura do texto completo. Após a leitura do texto completo, 14 estudos preencheram os critérios de elegibilidade. Foram incluídos 12 artigos na meta-análise. Em relação aos sucessos clínicos e radiográficos, não houve diferença significativa entre a pulpotomia com NaOCl e a pulpotomia com formocresol, sulfato férrico, MTA e soro fisiológico. A maioria dos ensaios clínicos randomizados apresentou problemas metodológicos que levaram a uma classificação de médio risco de viés. Todos os ensaios clínicos não randomizados foram classificados com alto risco de viés. Já em relação aos estudos de coorte, todos os dois estudos foram considerados com evidência forte. Conclusão: Os resultados deste estudo apontam que o NaOCl não difere de outros medicamentos como formocresol, sulfato férrico, MTA e soro fisiológico, no sucesso clínico e radiográfico da pulpotomia de dentes decíduos.

Rationale/Objectives: Pulpotomy is a conservative pulp therapy that aims to maintain the vitality of the pulp without the need for more radical procedures such as pulpectomy or extraction. The aim of this review was to provide a synthesis of the literature evaluating the clinical and radiographic efficacy of the use of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in pulpotomy of primary teeth and to compare it with other materials used for this procedure. Methodology: Bibliographic searches were performed in Medline via PubMed, Medline via Ovid, Scopus, Lilacs, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Sciences. The gray literature search was also performed on Google Scholar, OpenGray, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and ProQuest. Randomized clinical trials, non-randomized clinical trials, and cohort studies in which pulpotomy in primary teeth with sodium hypochlorite was compared with pulpotomy in primary teeth with other materials were included. No restrictions were placed on language or publication date when searching electronic databases. Data were grouped and analyzed descriptively. Qualitative assessment was performed according to the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Rob-2 was used for randomized clinical trials, ROBINS-I for non-randomized clinical trials and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort studies. In the RevMan software, meta-analyses were performed incorporating methodologically homogeneous studies. Dichotomous outcomes were used and included clinical and radiographic success. The I2 was used to calculate the heterogeneity of the studies. Results were given in odds ratio and confidence interval. Results: A total of 2654 studies were initially identified through electronic searches. After discarding duplicates and reading the titles and abstracts of the selected articles, 19 studies were considered for reading the full text. After reading the full text, 14 studies met the eligibility criteria. Twelve articles were included in the metaanalysis. Regarding clinical and radiographic successes, there was no significant difference between pulpotomy with NaOCl and pulpotomy with formocresol, ferric sulfate, MTA and saline solution. Most randomized controlled trials had methodological problems that led to a classification of medium risk of bias. All non-randomized clinical trials were classified as having high risk of bias. As for the cohort studies, all two studies were considered to have strong evidence. Conclusion: The results of this study show that NaOCl does not differ from other drugs such as formocresol, ferric sulfate, MTA and saline solution, in the clinical and radiographic success of pulpotomy in primary teeth.

[Clinical efficacy observation of direct pulp capping using iRoot BP Plus therapy in mature permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure].

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and influence factors of direct pulp capping using a bioactive ceramic in mature permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure, in order to explore the feasibility and indications of vital pulp therapy for such teeth. Methods: From January 2016 to September 2017, 57 patients (57 teeth) with carious pulp exposure in mature permanent teeth were selected from the Department of Cariology and Endodontology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology. All the teeth were preoperatively diagnosed as deep caries with normal pulp or reversible pulpitis. After rubber dam isolation, all the carious dentin was removed and the exposed pulp tissue was observed under microscope. Hemostasis should be achieved within 3 min by using 2.5% sodium hypochlorite cotton pellets with a gently press. A resin composite restoration was performed immediately or 2 weeks later after direct pulp capping by using a bioceramic material (iRoot BP Plus). The patients were re-examined 12 to 50 months after operation (average 30 months) and the outcomes were evaluated by symptoms, clinical examination and X-ray. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to calculate the success rate and influence factors were analyzed by Log-Rank test. Results: Totally 50 patients [age (32±13) years old (13-68 years old), 12 males and 38 females] received the follow-up examination more than one year. The overall success rate was 90% (45/50) and the success rates at 1 year, 2 years, 3 years and more were 98%, 89% and 81%, respectively. Age, gender, symptom, tooth and cavity type, pulpal exposure size and coronal restoration material had no significant correlations with the treatment outcome (P>0.05). Conclusions: Direct pulp capping of mature permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure by using iRoot BP Plus might have high success rate. There's no significant correlations between the major clinical factors and the treatment outcome.

Efficacy of Er:YAG laser-assisted direct pulp capping in permanent teeth with cariously exposed pulp: A pilot study.

Direct pulp capping is a minimally invasive method to preserve pulp integrity. We evaluated the treatment efficacy of Er:YAG laser irradiation combined with direct pulp capping for pulp exposure due to caries. A total of 21 patients with 22 teeth were enrolled in the conventional group (calcium hydroxide), and 24 patients with 25 teeth were enrolled in the laser-assisted group (Er:YAG laser irradiation at settings of 10 Hz, 50 mJ; combined with calcium hydroxide). The cumulative success rate of the conventional group and the laser-assisted group was 68.2% and 91.7% at 12 months, respectively. Results showed that the laser-assisted procedure increased the survival time (ß = 0.04, OR = 0.07), while proximal-occlusal cavities in molars decreased the survival time (ß = 0.03, OR = 12.5). Er:YAG lasers improve the effectiveness of conventional direct pulp capping (using Dycal) with limited side-effects and can be applied clinically.

Efficacy of Lasers Treatment of Exposed Pulps to Stimulate Healing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Objective: The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at evaluating the efficacy of laser's treatment of exposed pulps to stimulate healing. Material and Methods: MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, ISI, Google Scholar have been searched as the electronic databases for performing systematic literature between 2005 to 2019. Searches were performed with MESH terms. The quality of the studies included was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist. For Data extraction, two reviewers blind and independently extracted data from the abstract and full text of the studies included. Moreover, the fixed-effect model's odds ratio for a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. Random effects were used to deal with potential heterogeneity, and I2 showed heterogeneity. The meta-analysis and forest plots have been evaluated using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Stata. Results: Five studies (3 RCTs and 2 animal studies) were included in this study. The Odds Ratio was 1.90 (95% CI 1.39-2.42; p=0.00); there was a statistically significant difference between the laser and the control groups (p=0.00). Conclusion: The success rate of laser treatment for exposed pulps is higher than mineral trioxide aggregate, resin, calcium hydroxide and resin-modified glass-ionomer cement. The exact mechanism of this effect has not yet been determined; further research on lasers' impact on exposed pulps treatment is required.

Outcome of Partial Pulpotomy in Cariously Exposed Posterior Permanent Teeth: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the success rate of partial pulpotomy in treating permanent posterior teeth with carious vital pulp exposure. A secondary aim was to assess the prognostic factors using a meta-regression. METHODS: An electronic search was performed for studies from January 1950 to November 2018 in the following databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane. All searches were performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Clinical studies evaluating the success rate of cariously exposed vital human permanent posterior teeth treated with a partial pulpotomy were selected. Only randomized clinical trials and prospective clinical studies were included for evaluation. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Cochrane Collaboration's tool were used to evaluate risk assessment. RESULTS: From the 218 studies identified through the initial search, 11 studies qualified for the final analysis (5 randomized clinical trials and 6 prospective studies). The results of the meta-analysis indicate a success rate of 98% (confidence interval [CI]: 0.94-1), 96% (CI: 0.92-0.99), and 92% (CI: 0.83-0.97) after 6 months and 1 and 2 years of follow-up. Examining the probable prognostic factors using meta-regression analysis, only preoperative pulp status (P = .001) was identified as a significant factor, with studies including teeth with the presumptive diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis displaying significantly lower results. The final solution, pulp capping material, apex closure, and the age of the patient did not affect the treatment success rate (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The available data suggest that a partial pulpotomy results in high success rates in treating cariously exposed permanent posterior teeth up to 2 years. Six months of monitoring can be considered an appropriate period when evaluating the success of a partial pulpotomy although more clinical and radiographic controls are essential to ensuring success.

Consecuencias clínicas de caries dental no tratada en preescolares y escolares de instituciones educativas públicas / Clinical consequences of untreated dental caries in preschool and school children of public educational institutions

Objetivos: Evaluar la prevalencia y severidad de las consecuencias de la caries dental no tratada empleando el índice PUFA/pufa en preescolares y escolares de instituciones educativas públicas en una población urbano marginal del Callao. Material y métodos: El estudio fue descriptivo y observacional. Se empleó una base de datos generada que fue procesada con el programa Epi Info® y se exportó al programa estadístico IBM SPSS Statistics v. 19,0 (SPSS Inc.). Se realizó el análisis univariado y bivariado. Resultados: Se evaluaron 1085 niños entre 3 y 16 años. La mayor proporción fue del sexo masculino 557 (51,34%). La frecuencia del índice PUFA/pufa fue 25,71% y el promedio fue de 0,63 ± 1,48. El componente P+p representa el 24,70%, siendo las piezas deciduas las de mayor prevalencia. El grupo de 6-7 años y 8-10 años tuvieron la mayor frecuencia. El maxilar inferior fue el más afectado. Conclusiones: Las consecuencias clínicas de caries no tratada en la población estudiada son altamente frecuentes y severas.

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence and severity of the consequences of untreated dental caries using the PUFA/pufa index in preschool and school children of public educational institutions in a marginal urban population of Callao. Material and methods: the study was descriptive and observational. A database was used and processed with the Epi Info® program and exported to the statistical program IBM SPSS Statistics v. 19.0 (SPSS Inc.). The univariate and bivariate analysis were performed. Results: 1085 children between 3 and 16 years old were evaluated. The highest proportion was male 557 (51.34%). The frequency of the PUFA/pufa index was 25.71% and the average was 0.63 ± 1.48. The P + p component represents 24.70%, the deciduous teeth was the most prevalent. The group of 6-7 and 8-10 years had the highest frequency. The lower jaw was the most affected. Conclusions: The clinical consequences of untreated caries in the studied population are highly frequent and severe.

Management of pulps exposed during carious tissue removal in adults: a multi-national questionnaire-based survey.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate and compare the management of pulps exposed during carious tissue removal by French, German, and Norwegian general dental practitioners (GDPs). We further aimed to assess possible dentist- and patient-related factors associated with these management decisions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A structured questionnaire was send via mail to a simple random sample of dentists. RESULTS: The analyzed sample consisted of 661 (33%) French GDPs, 622 (25%) German GDPs, and 199 (34%) Norwegian GDPs. No single management method gained uniform consensus in any of the three countries. However, the most preferred management option in all three countries was direct pulp capping (DPC) (68-93%) mainly performed with calcium hydroxide paste/slurry (CH). Alternatively, root canal treatment was performed (7-22%). The reasons that guided GDPs were the same in all three countries; "good results" and "ease of use, familiar with the technique." Having read scientific articles about cariology/operative dentistry in the last 5 years increased the odds for the preference of DPC instead of root canal treatment (OR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.3-3.2). CONCLUSIONS: Among GDPs in France, Germany, and Norway, there was no uniform management option for pulp exposures during carious tissue removal. DPC with CH was the most preferred management, even though the current evidence suggests DPC with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) to be more successful. The outcome expectations and the assumed ease of use were reasons for GDPs' choice. Moreover, knowledge on current evidence towards such management options influenced treatment decisions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: GDPs are encouraged to adopt management options based on current scientific evidence.

Tratamiento expectante en molar permanente joven: reporte de caso / Stepwise excavation in young permanent molar: case report

La caries dental es la causa principal por la que se realizan tratamientos de conducto, sin embargo existen procedimientos de protección pulpar para el manejo de lesiones cariosas profundas, que ayudan en la recuperación del tejido pulpar. Uno de los procedimientos es el tratamiento expectante, éste va a ser efectivo en preservar la pulpa que podría ser expuesta durante la remoción de caries profunda donde no hay signos clínicos que indiquen pulpitis irreversible. El tratamiento expectante, al ser en dos etapas tiene como objetivo detener el avance de la lesión cariosa, minimizar la dentina cariada retenida y permitirle a la pulpa recuperarse generando dentina reparativa para evitar cualquier exposición pulpar en una segunda sesión. Se describe el manejo de lesiones cariosas profundas en molar permanente joven mediante el tratamiento expectante a través de un reporte de caso. Paciente femenino de 15 años presenta dolor provocado a los cambios térmicos en el segundo molar inferior izquierdo. Las radiografías revelaron lesión cariosa profunda, clasificación R4 de Pitts, ausencia de radiolucidez apical y espacio del ligamento periodontal normal. A la prueba objetiva de diagnóstico con frío, se observó respuesta positiva, diagnosticándose Pulpitis Reversible. Basado en estos hallazgos se decide mantener la vitalidad pulpar y realizar el tratamiento expectante. El tratamiento expectante constó de dos fases, en la primera se retiró el tejido cariado de paredes y piso, dejándose dentina afectada y se colocó hidróxido de calcio seguido de una restauración temporal. En la segunda fase, 6 meses después, tras confirmar el mantenimiento de la vitalidad pulpar y formación de puente dentinario, se reabrió la cavidad y se colocó la restauración definitiva con resina compuesta. Se realizaron dos controles posteriores, el primero 12 meses después de iniciado el tratamiento y el segundo 60 meses después...

Dental caries is one of the main reasons to perform root canal treatments; however there are procedures to protect the pulp in case of deep caries lesions. During caries removal pulp tissue could be exposed, so stepwise excavation is one procedure which will be effective in pulp preservation. Stepwise excavation consists of two stages, its purpose is stop caries progression, change cariogenic environment and allow the pulp recover generating reparative dentine to avoid pulp exposure in a second visit. Below we describe the management of deep carious lesions in a young permanent molar treated with stepwise excavation. A 15-year-old female patient with cause pain due to thermal changes in second inferior left molar, X-Rays revealed deep caries lesion, R4 Pitts ́s classification, no signs of apical radiolucency or widening of the periodontal ligament space. Presents positive response to sensibility test with cold so Reversible Pulpitis is diagnosed, because of these findings it was decided to keep pulp vitality and perform stepwise excavation. This procedure consists in two phases: the first one is taking out the caries lesion from walls and floor, leaving affected dentin and placed calcium hidroxyde paste over, followed by a temporal restoration with glass ionomer. The second phase is six months later, once pulp vitality is confirmed and dentinal bridge is formed, so the cavity is reopened and definitive restoration is placed with composite resin.Two subsequent check-ups were carried out, the first one 12 months after stepwise excavation had been performed and the second control was 60 months later, clinical and radiographic controls were performed in both controls and no pathology was found considering the treatment as effective.

Temporospatial localization of dentine matrix protein 1 following direct pulp capping with calcium hydroxide in rat molars.

AIM: To examine the temporospatial expression of dentine matrix protein 1 (DMP1; a noncollagenous protein involved in mineralized tissue formation), osteopontin (another noncollagenous protein detected during reparative dentinogenesis) and nestin (a marker of differentiating/differentiated odontoblasts), following direct pulp capping with calcium hydroxide in rat molars. METHODOLOGY: The maxillary first molars of 8-week-old Wistar rats had their pulps exposed and capped with calcium hydroxide. The pulp-capped teeth were collected from 6 h to 14 days postoperatively and processed for immunohistochemistry for DMP1, osteopontin and nestin. Cell proliferation was monitored using 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labelling. RESULTS: The capped pulps initially exhibited superficial necrotic changes followed by the formation of new matrix and its mineralization. DMP1 immunoreactivity was observed in the matrix beneath the necrotic layer from 6 h onwards and present in the outer portion of the newly formed mineralized matrix from 7 days onwards. Osteopontin displayed a similar expression pattern, although it occupied a narrower area than DMP1 at 6 and 12 h. Nestin-immunoreactive cells appeared beneath the DMP1-immunoreactive area at 1 day, were distributed beneath the newly formed matrix at 5 days and exhibited odontoblast-like morphology by 14 days. BrdU-positive cells significantly increased at 2 and 3 days (P < 0.05) and then decreased. CONCLUSIONS: The deposition of DMP1 at exposed pulp sites preceded the appearance of nestin-immunoreactive cells, active cell proliferation and new matrix formation after pulp capping with calcium hydroxide in rat molars, suggesting that DMP1 acts as a trigger of pulp repair. The colocalization of DMP1 and osteopontin suggests that these two proteins play complementary roles.