Pulp therapy in pediatric dentistry includes a wide range of procedures aimed at preserving pulp health and tooth function in both primary and immature permanent teeth.
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Introduction
The dental pulp plays a critical role in tooth vitality, defense, and root development. In pediatric dentistry, pulp therapy aims to maintain primary teeth until physiological exfoliation and to allow root maturation in young permanent teeth. Success depends on accurate diagnosis, proper case selection, and the use of biocompatible and evidence-based materials.
A. Vital Pulp Therapies
1. Indirect Pulp Capping
° Definition: Placement of a biocompatible material over affected but not infected dentin.
° Indications: Deep caries without pulp exposure.
° Materials & Brands:
➤ Calcium hydroxide (Dycal®).
➤ Glass ionomer cements (Vitrebond™, Fuji IX®).
➤ Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) (ProRoot® MTA).
2. Direct Pulp Capping
° Definition: Placement of material directly over a small pulp exposure under controlled conditions.
° Materials & Brands:
➤ MTA (ProRoot®, Angelus®).
➤ Biodentine™.
➤ Calcium hydroxide.
3. Pulpotomy
° Definition: Removal of coronal pulp while preserving healthy radicular pulp.
° Techniques:
➤ Formocresol (Buckley’s solution, now obsolete due to toxicity).
➤ Calcium hydroxide pulpotomy.
➤ MTA or Biodentine™ pulpotomy (current gold standard).
4. Apexogenesis (in immature permanent teeth)
➤ Definition: Maintains pulp vitality to allow continued root development and apical closure.
➤ Materials: MTA, Biodentine™, calcium hydroxide.
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1. Pulpectomy
° Definition: Complete removal of necrotic pulp and root canal filling.
° Indications: Necrosis, abscess, chronic pulpitis.
° Filling Materials & Brands:
➤ Zinc oxide-eugenol (ZOE).
➤ Iodoform-based pastes (Vitapex®, Metapex®).
➤ Calcium hydroxide-based pastes (Sealapex®).
2. Apexification (in immature permanent teeth)
° Definition: Induction of apical closure in necrotic immature permanent teeth.
° Materials: MTA (ProRoot®, Angelus®), calcium hydroxide.
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➤ Vital teeth:
° Clinical: Mild provoked pain, no spontaneous pain, no pathologic mobility, normal thermal sensitivity.
° Radiographic: Normal pulp chamber, no periapical lesion, possible slight widening of periodontal ligament.
➤ Non-vital teeth:
° Clinical: Spontaneous or lingering pain, sinus tract, swelling, discoloration, pathologic mobility.
° Radiographic: Periapical radiolucency, pathological root resorption, widened periodontal ligament.
📊 Comparative Table: Signs and Symptoms in Vital Teeth
Aspect | Signs & Symptoms |
---|---|
Pain | Mild, provoked, disappears when stimulus is removed |
Mobility | Absent or within physiologic limits |
Tooth color | Normal |
Radiograph | No periapical radiolucency; periodontal ligament normal |
📊 Comparative Table: Signs and Symptoms in Non-Vital Teeth
Aspect | Signs & Symptoms |
---|---|
Pain | Spontaneous, persistent, or absent in advanced necrosis |
Mobility | Pathologic, associated with periapical inflammation |
Tooth color | Darkened or discolored |
Radiograph | Periapical radiolucency, pathological root resorption, widened PDL space |
D. Post-Pulp Therapy Restorative Treatments
° Temporary restorations: Glass ionomer cement.
° Definitive restorations: Composite resins, stainless-steel crowns, zirconia crowns for esthetics in primary teeth.
° Permanent teeth: Adhesive restorations, inlays/onlays when required.
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The success of pulp therapy relies on proper diagnosis, selection of a biocompatible material, and adequate restoration. While formocresol was once considered the standard, modern materials such as MTA and Biodentine™ have demonstrated higher biocompatibility and superior outcomes. Current pediatric endodontics favors vital pulp therapies whenever possible and effective disinfection and resorbable fillings for necrotic cases.
✍️ Conclusion
Pulp therapy in pediatric dentistry is fundamental for preserving primary teeth until natural exfoliation and supporting root maturation in young permanent teeth. Correct diagnosis, appropriate therapy selection, and immediate restorative treatment are key to long-term success. Modern biomaterials like MTA and Biodentine™ offer greater predictability and safety than traditional options.
📚 References
✔ American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). (2022). Guideline on pulp therapy for primary and immature permanent teeth. Pediatric Dentistry, 44(6), 343–351.
✔ Fuks, A. B., & Peretz, B. (2021). Pediatric Endodontics: Current Concepts in Pulp Therapy for Primary and Young Permanent Teeth. Springer.
✔ Parirokh, M., & Torabinejad, M. (2010). Mineral trioxide aggregate: a comprehensive literature review—Part III: Clinical applications, drawbacks, and mechanism of action. Journal of Endodontics, 36(3), 400–413. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2009.09.009
✔ Coll, J. A., Vargas, K., Marghalani, A. A., Chen, C. Y., & Dhar, V. (2017). A systematic review and meta-analysis of nonvital pulp therapy for primary teeth. Pediatric Dentistry, 39(1), 16–123.
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