Complete pulpotomy in permanent molars with irreversible pulpitis

Researchers may have uncovered the effectiveness of complete pulpotomy in young patients who have permanent molars with irreversible pulpitis.

There have been few studies exploring the long-term success of complete pulpotomy in this patent population.

In an observational study published in the Journal of Dentistry, the researchers assessed the outcomes of 24 permanent molars with suspected irreversible pulpitis in patients who underwent complete pulpotomy performed using mineral trioxide aggregate.

After a mean follow-up of 11 years, the researchers found that 100% of the complete pulpotomies were successful — characterized by a hard tissue barrier in most of the molars, continued root maturation and resolution of all radiographic apical radiolucencies. About one-fifth of the patients presented with complete pulp canal obliteration.

The findings indicated that complete pulpotomy may be an effective alternative to root canal therapy. However, because of the study’s small sample size and observational nature, more research may be needed to validate the results.

Read more: Journal of Dentistry

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