Treatment options for permanent teeth with deep caries.

The goal of this narrative review was to summarize and compare treatment options for permanent teeth carious lesions that are radiographically close to the pulp chamber. Thanks to adhesive restorative materials, minimally invasive approaches are possible. In this context, the old question arises as to whether caries must be excavated completely, i.e., down to hard dentin, or whether it could be advantageous to leave some soft dentin, or even merely seal the whole lesion. To answer this question, the microbiological aspects of the lesion must be considered, along with the immunological response in the dental pulp, with the concurrent possible negative outcomes for the patient. Both aspects are considered in this review, and clinical studies comparing different treatment modalities are discussed. Situations in which calcium silicate cements could be advantageous over the gold standard calcium hydroxide preparations for covering the dentin/pulp wound are also discussed.

Pulpal Responses to Direct Capping with Betamethasone/Gentamicin Cream and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate: Histologic and Micro-Computed Tomography Assessments.

INTRODUCTION: This clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the response of human dental pulp to direct capping with betamethasone/gentamicin (BG) cream and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). We hypothesized that the results of direct pulp capping with a topical BG combination would be similar to or better than those with MTA. METHODS: Thirty-six human first premolar teeth scheduled for orthodontic extraction were randomly divided into 4 groups: BG1 group (n = 9), BG cream with 2-week follow-up; BG2 group (n = 10), BG cream with 8-week follow-up; MTA1 group (n = 8), MTA with 2-week follow-up; and MTA2 group (n = 9), MTA with 8-week follow-up. Teeth were extracted and evaluated at respective time intervals. Micro-computed tomography scanning and histologic analyses were performed for all specimens. Pulp pathology (inflammation, pulp abscesses, and pulp necrosis) and reparative reaction (formation of dentin bridges) were recorded. RESULTS: Both BG cream and MTA resulted in significantly better pulpal responses at 8 weeks than at 2 weeks. Dentin bridge formation was significantly thicker in the MTA group at 8 weeks than in any other group (P < .05). Inflammation was of the acute type in all groups; no statistically significant differences in the distribution of inflammatory cells were found among the groups. Pulpal abscesses and/or necrosis were observed more often in teeth capped with BG than with MTA. CONCLUSIONS: Direct pulp capping with both BG cream and MTA was associated with dentin bridge formation. MTA resulted in a significantly better pulpal response, with less inflammation and a thicker dentin bridge at 8 weeks.

The influence of different therapeutic modalities and platelet rich plasma on apexogenesis: a preliminary study in monkeys.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic injuries of permanent teeth with incomplete root formation are frequent during childhood. Adequate therapy is important for the further destiny of teeth with damaged pulp. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of pulpotomy and high pulpotomy on the pulp and on root development, and the effect of platelet rich plasma (PRP) with hydroxyapatite (HAP) as a carrier and hydroxyapatite alone on apexogenesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included eight monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) in which high pulpotomies were performed on the mandibular lateral incisors and canines, and pulpotomies were performed on the mandibular central incisors and premolars. The materials used in the study were commercial HAP (Apatec®, Stomygen) and PRP (prepared at the Torlak Institute of Immunology and Virology, Belgrade, Serbia.). Histological and radiological evaluations were done six months after the treatment. RESULTS: Considering the differences between HAP+PRP treated teeth in the pulpotomy group and teeth in the high pulpotomy group, two times more root growth retardation was observed in the high pulpotomy group. In the high pulpotomy group, root growth retardation was less common in HAP+PRP treated teeth (42.9%) than in HAP treated teeth (50%). In the pulpotomy group, retardation of root development was also less common in HAP+PRP treated teeth (25%) compared to HAP treated teeth (50%). There were differences between the pulpotomy and high pulpotomy groups, but without statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: The application of endogenous growth factors in conjunction with the preservation of dental pulp vitality can result in a good outcome for pulp therapy of injured teeth, which means successfully completed apexogenesis.

Oral pathologies of the Neolithic Iceman, c.3,300 BC.

The famous Iceman 'Ötzi' (South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, Bolzano, Italy), a Neolithic human ice mummy, offers a unique opportunity to study evolutionary aspects of oral disease. The aim of this study was to assess, for the very first time, his oral cavity, which surprisingly had never been examined systematically. Based on several computed tomography (CT) scans from 1991 onwards and on macroscopic investigation, only a few findings, such as a central maxillary diastema, heavy abrasions, and missing wisdom teeth, were known. We re-evaluated the latest CT scans from 2005 and found various oral pathologies. In line with the increase of tooth decay in the Neolithic - because of diet change in this historic transition phase - several carious lesions were found, one of which penetrated into the dental pulp. In accordance with the Iceman's troubled life, as several injuries on his body and his violent death attest, mechanical trauma of one of his upper front teeth is evident. Finally, the poor periodontal condition of the Iceman's dentition (e.g. loss of alveolar bone), indicative of periodontitis, was assessed. These oral pathological findings in the Iceman's dentition provide a unique glimpse into the evolutionary history of oral conditions.

Clinical and radiographic evaluation of zinc oxide eugenol and metapex in root canal treatment of primary teeth.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinically and radiographically zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) and Metapex as root canal filling material in primary teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two necrotic primary teeth in two groups of children in the age group of 4-7 years were obturated with ZOE and Metapex and were followed up clinically and radiographically for a period of 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The overall success rates of ZOE and Metapex were 85.71% and 90.48%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Both ZOE and Metapex gave encouraging results; however, Metapex can be used more safely whenever there is a doubt about the patient's return for follow-up.

Comparison of mineral trioxide aggregate and formocresol as pulp medicaments for pulpotomies in primary molars.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of white mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) to that of formocresol (FC) as pulp dressing agents in pulpotomised primary molars. METHODS: In this clinical trial study, 60 lower second primary molars of 46 children were treated by a conventional pulpotomy technique. The teeth were randomly assigned to the MTA (experimental) and FC (control) groups by random numbered table. Following removal of the coronal pulp and haemostasis, the pulp stumps were covered with an MTA paste in the experimental group. In the control group, FC was placed with a cotton pellet over the pulp stumps. The teeth of both groups were restored with stainless steel crowns. Children arrived for clinical and radiographic follow-up evaluation after 6, 12 and 24 months. RESULTS: The treated teeth in FC group (n = 18) were clinically and radiographically successful after 24 months. The radiographic follow-up evaluation revealed one failure (furcation involvement) in 18 molars treated with MTA after 24 months. The treated teeth in MTA group were clinically successful 24 months postoperatively. Pulp canal obliteration was observed in one of the teeth treated with MTA and four of the teeth treated with FC. CONCLUSION: MTA could be used as a safe medicament for pulpotomy in cariously exposed primary molars and could be a substitute for FC.

Incisor root resorption due to ectopic maxillary canines: a long-term radiographic follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To document the long-term fate of maxillary incisors with resorbed roots after correction of the associated ectopic canines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects were recruited from 107 children and adolescents age 9-15 years (mean 12.5 years) at initial registration, with 156 ectopically positioned maxillary canines. The children were referred to the specialist orthodontic clinic for consultation because of the risk of incisor root resorption. Of 51 patients contacted, 16 failed to attend. Eight of the remaining 35 were excluded because their lateral incisors had been extracted, leaving 27 subjects for follow-up registration. At initial consultation, all subjects had undergone radiographic examination, including computed tomography (CT) scans. At the follow-up consultation, the radiographic examination was limited to intraoral films. RESULTS: No resorbed incisor was lost during the 2- to 10-year follow-up period. The resorptive lesions had undergone repair in 13 teeth, remained unchanged in 12 teeth and progressed in 7 teeth. In the 13 teeth exhibiting signs of repair, no resorption was detectable in 11 teeth and minor resorption was detected in 2 lateral incisors. At the initial registration, severe or moderate resorption had been diagnosed in 12 lateral and 5 central incisors, compared with 11 lateral and 6 central incisors at follow-up. In 10 subjects initially diagnosed with resorption of 13 incisors, the lesions were no longer discernible on intraoral radiographs at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Even in cases of severe resorption, the incisor roots show good long-term healing. Incisors with root resorption can be used in an orthodontic appliance system.

Comparison of enamel matrix derivative versus formocresol as pulpotomy agents in the primary dentition.

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic success rates of two different pulpotomy agents: one novel agent, the biologically active odontogenic protein enamel matrix derivative (EMD) versus formocresol (FC). A randomized, single-blind, split-mouth study was used with a sample of 15 children aged 4 to 7 years (mean age, 5 +/- 0.73 years). A total of 15 pairs of teeth, 1 pair per child, were selected for treatment. One tooth from each pair was randomly assigned to either the EMD pulpotomy group or the FC pulpotomy group. All teeth were followed up clinically and radiographically at 2, 4, and 6 months. After 6 months, the clinical success rates for the FC and EMD groups were 67% and 93%, respectively. Although most likely clinically relevant, the clinical success rate difference after 6 months was not statistically significant. After 6 months, the radiographic success rates for the FC and EMD groups were 13% and 60 %, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference at p < or = 0.05. The clinical and radiographic assessment of EMD pulpotomized teeth in this study offers preliminary evidence that EMD is a promising material which may be as successful, or more so, than other pulpotomy agents.

Vital pulp therapy of mandibular incisors: a case report with 11-year follow up.

This report describes a case of a young patient in whom all the mandibular incisor teeth suffered complicated crown fractures because of a car accident. For all mandibular incisors, pulpotomy with calcium hydroxide were performed in order to achieve apexogenesis and the teeth were restored with a double-seal of glass ionomer cement and composite resin. The patient was reviewed over 11 years. All the mandibular incisor teeth showed continued root development and complete apex formation. Pulp canal obliteration was observed in only the mandibular right central incisor.

Three-rooted maxillary second premolar.

The possibility of three canals in maxillary second premolars is quite small; however, it must be taken into account in clinical and radiographic evaluations during endodontic treatment. Many times their presence is noticed only after canal treatment, due to continuing postoperative discomfort. This article describes a clinical case of three-canal maxillary second premolars that are endodontically treated.

Primary molar pulp therapy--histological evaluation of failure.

OBJECTIVES: Qualitative comparison of the clinical, radiographic and histological outcomes in a small sample of cariously exposed primary molars, extracted after unsuccessful pulp treatment by two vital pulpotomy methods. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The primary molars were extracted, because of treatment failure, during a longitudinal clinical investigation of the relative efficacy of 20% Buckley's Formocresol versus calcium hydroxide powder as pulp dressings in vital pulp therapy (in press). Fifty-two child patients were sequentially enrolled in the longitudinal clinical investigation, 26 boys and 26 girls. Primary molar teeth requiring vital pulp therapy were randomly allocated to either the formocresol group (F) or the calcium hydroxide group (C). Coronal pulp amputation was prescribed only in teeth with vital, cariously-exposed pulp tissue. All cases were reviewed using predefined clinical and radiological criteria. Seventy-nine cariously-exposed primary molars required vital pulp therapy. Forty-four teeth were included in group F and 35 in group C. Five per cent (n = 2) of teeth in group F and 11 per cent of teeth (n = 4) in group C were terminated from the trial due to clinical and/or radiographic failure. Of the six teeth extracted, five were sufficiently intact to be retained for histological evaluation. RESULTS: Post-extraction radiographs taken before specimen preparation showed reactionary dentine barrier (bridge) formation in teeth treated with calcium hydroxide. However, the narrowing of root canals, indicative of appositional reactionary dentine deposition, was seen in both groups (F and C). Histological examination confirmed these findings and revealed that pus cells were evident in all specimens examined. There was also histological evidence of resorption of reactionary dentine within the root canal and that forming the calcified barrier (dentine bridge). CONCLUSION: The clinical and radiographic outcomes for the five teeth correlate well with the reported findings from decalcified histological section. Although numbers are small, the histological findings may indicate possible reasons for treatment failure. There are few reports of this sort in the literature of this under-researched treatment modality.

Ferric sulfate versus dilute formocresol in pulpotomized primary molars: long-term follow up.

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of ferric sulfate (FS) to that of dilute formocresol (DFC) as pulp dressing agents in pulpotomized primary molars. Ninety-six primary molars in 72 children were treated by a conventional pulpotomy technique. Fifty-eight teeth were treated by a FS solution for 15 sec, rinsed, and covered by zinc oxide-eugenol paste (ZOE). In another 38 teeth, a cotton pellet moistened with 20% DFC was placed for 5 min, removed, and the pulp stumps were covered by ZOE paste. The teeth of both groups were sealed by a second layer of intermediate restorative material (IRM) and restored with a stainless steel crown. This is a report of the clinical and radiographic examination of 55 teeth dressed with FS and 37 teeth fixed with DFC, that have been treated 6 to 34 months previously (mean 20.5 months). Four teeth were excluded from the study due to failure of the patient to present for recall. Success rates of 92.7% for the FS, and of 83.8% for the DFC were not significantly different. Four teeth (7.2%) of the FS group and two (5.4%) of the DFC group presented internal resorption. Inter-radicular radiolucencies were observed in two teeth of the FS group and three teeth of the DFC group. The latter also presented periapical lesions. Success rates of both groups were similar to those of previous studies utilizing the traditional Buckley's formocresol.

CO2 laser treatment of traumatic pulpal exposures in dogs.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Successful non-devitalizing treatment of localized pulpal lesions in mature teeth is not ensured using conventional endodontic techniques. The objective of this study was to evaluate CO2 laser surgical treatment of pulpal exposures in canine patients. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: 17 permanent teeth with pulpal exposures of < or = 48 h duration received localized laser pulp surgery. Laser Parameters: pulse duration: 0.01 s, pulse interval: 1.0 s, spot size: 0.004 cm2, fluence: 276 J/cm2. Exposures were dressed with CaOH and Glass ionomer. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed by one blinded clinician 24 and 52 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: 15/17 laser-treated teeth assessed over > or = 1 year post-treatment remained clinically and radiographically healthy. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate the feasibility of using the CO2 laser for localized pulp surgery. Further studies must optimize laser parameters and identify the range of clinical pathologies which can be treated using this modality.