Preserving pulp vitality and supporting dental development are key goals in pediatric dentistry.
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PDF 馃斀 Pulpotomy Medicaments used in Deciduous Dentition: An Update ... Vital pulpotomy is the clinical treatment of choice for primary teeth with exposed pulp. Pulpotomy can be defined as the surgical removal or amputation of the coronal pulp of the vital tooth.Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) has been widely used for decades, especially in pulp therapy procedures, thanks to its outstanding biocompatibility and ability to stimulate dentin bridge formation.
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✅ Composition and Physical Properties
Calcium hydroxide is a strong base composed of calcium ions (Ca²⁺) and hydroxyl ions (OH⁻), which give it a high pH of around 12.5. This alkalinity plays a central role in its biological effects.
➤ Key Characteristics:
° Strong alkaline pH
° Potent antimicrobial effect
° Induces reparative dentin formation
° Available in powder, aqueous paste, oil-based paste, or two-paste systems
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Dental Article 馃斀 Myths About Root Canal Treatment ... This article addresses and debunks these common misconceptions, providing accurate information to promote informed decisions about dental health.✅ Mechanism of Action
° Antimicrobial effect: High pH disrupts bacterial protein structures and cell membranes.
° Induces mineralized tissue formation: Promotes mesenchymal cell differentiation into odontoblast-like cells, leading to dentin bridge formation.
° Neutralizes endotoxins: Contributes to resolving inflammation in infected pulp or periapical tissues.
✅ Clinical Applications in Pediatric Dentistry
✅ Advantages of Calcium Hydroxide
° High biocompatibility with pulp and periapical tissues
° Strong antibacterial effect
° Promotes dentin and tissue healing
° Affordable and widely available
° Easy to handle and apply
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Video 馃斀 Pulpotomy of Deciduous Molar - Step by step ... We share an interesting video that shows us how to perform a pulpotomy step by step, indicating the materials and the steps that we must follow.✅ Limitations and Disadvantages
° High solubility in oral fluids → risk of microleakage
° Weak long-term sealing ability
° Lower compressive strength compared to newer materials
° Can cause superficial necrosis in some cases due to high alkalinity
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Video 馃斀 Pulpectomy, everything you need to know: Diagnosis, indications, and filling materials ...The video that we share details everything related to pulpectomy: diagnosis, indications and contraindications, procedure, recommended filling materials, and the importance of post-treatment follow-up.✅ Recommended U.S. Commercial Brands
° UltraCal™ XS (Ultradent Products Inc.) – Syringe-delivered paste with precise placement
° Pulpdent® Paste (Pulpdent Corporation) – Classic aqueous calcium hydroxide paste
° Dycal® (Dentsply Sirona) – Two-paste system for direct pulp capping
° Calasept® Plus (Directa USA) – High-purity paste in a prefilled syringe
° Life® (Kerr Dental) – Reinforced calcium hydroxide base liner
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PDF 馃斀 What is the best pulp dressing for pulpotomies in primary teeth? - Review ... Different pulp dressings have been used in pulpotomies, each with different characteristics and properties. The article we share compares all pulp dressings to determine which is the most effective.馃挰 Discussion
While newer bioceramic materials such as MTA and Biodentine offer superior sealing and mechanical properties, calcium hydroxide remains highly relevant in pediatric endodontics. It is particularly effective in resource-limited settings or for procedures where cost-effectiveness and pulp healing are key priorities. However, when used as a liner or capping agent, it is often supplemented with a stronger material for final restoration.
馃挕 Conclusions
Calcium hydroxide remains a valuable and effective material in pediatric pulp therapy. Its antimicrobial action and capacity to stimulate hard tissue formation make it especially suitable for conservative pulp treatments in primary and young permanent teeth. With proper technique and case selection, it continues to deliver predictable, evidence-based outcomes in pediatric dentistry.
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Video 馃斀 Pulpotomy and pulpectomy procedures. Indications and Differences ... We share the similarities, differences, indications, contraindications and step-by-step procedures of pulpotomy and pulpectomy.馃摎 References
✔ American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). (2023). Pulp therapy for primary and immature permanent teeth. The Reference Manual of Pediatric Dentistry. https://www.aapd.org
✔ Schwendicke, F., Brouwer, F., Paris, S., Stolpe, M., & Tu, Y. K. (2019). Effects of calcium hydroxide liners on outcome of direct pulp capping: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Oral Investigations, 23(3), 1181–1191. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-018-2523-9
✔ Tavares, W. L. F., de Oliveira, A. M. T., & da Silva, R. A. B. (2021). Calcium hydroxide and its therapeutic use in pediatric endodontics: A literature review. European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry, 22(4), 551–560. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40368-020-00557-4
✔ Holland, R., de Souza, V., Nery, M. J., Otoboni Filho, J. A., Bernab茅, P. F., & Dezan Junior, E. (2020). Reaction of rat connective tissue to implanted dentin tubes filled with calcium hydroxide pastes. Brazilian Dental Journal, 31(1), 55–62. https://doi.org/10.1590/0103-6440201902933
✔ Estrela, C., et al. (2019). Mechanism of action of calcium and hydroxyl ions of calcium hydroxide on tissue and bacteria. Brazilian Dental Journal, 30(6), 536–541. https://doi.org/10.1590/0103-6440201902936
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