Modern pediatric dentistry emphasizes minimally invasive procedures that preserve pulp vitality and tooth structure.
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Video 🔽 What is the difference between apexogenesis and apexification? ... The apex opening is usually very large in an immature tooth, and the canal walls are very thin, so appropriate treatment must be performed.Partial pulpotomy offers a biologically favorable approach in cases of limited pulp inflammation, especially in traumatic pulp exposures or shallow carious lesions, promoting healing and long-term tooth survival.
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✅ Definition of Partial Pulpotomy
Also known as Cvek pulpotomy, partial pulpotomy involves the removal of 1–3 mm of inflamed coronal pulp tissue directly beneath the exposure, preserving the remaining healthy pulp and covering it with a biocompatible material that supports healing and dentin bridge formation.
✅ Differences Between Partial and Conventional Pulpotomy
✅ Biological Rationale
Partial pulpotomy is grounded in the understanding that pulp inflammation is often localized. When only the affected area is removed, the remaining pulp can regenerate and form a dentin bridge. Young permanent teeth, in particular, have a high regenerative capacity, which enhances success rates when proper isolation and materials are used.
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PDF 🔽 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.✅ Step-by-Step Technique
➤ Clinical and radiographic evaluation
° Indicated for recent pulp exposures (less than 24 hours for trauma)
° No signs of irreversible pulpitis or periapical pathology
➤ Anesthesia and isolation
° Use local anesthesia and rubber dam isolation to ensure an aseptic field.
➤ Partial pulp removal
° Excise 1–3 mm of inflamed pulp using a sterile diamond bur with water coolant.
° Rinse with sterile saline.
➤ Hemostasis
° Apply a moist cotton pellet for 2–5 minutes.
° Successful hemostasis confirms healthy pulp status.
➤ Placement of pulp capping material
° Apply a biocompatible material (e.g., MTA, Biodentine) directly onto the pulp.
° Cover with resin-modified glass ionomer or temporary cement.
➤ Final restoration
° Restore with composite resin or stainless steel crown depending on the tooth's condition and location.
Recommended Materials
° MTA (Mineral Trioxide Aggregate) – ProRoot® MTA (Dentsply Sirona), MTA Angelus®
° Biodentine™ (Septodont) – Bioactive dentin substitute with excellent sealing and biocompatibility
° TheraCal LC® (Bisco) – Light-cured resin-modified calcium silicate
° Vitrebond™ (3M) – Resin-modified glass ionomer for base/sealing
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Scientific literature strongly supports partial pulpotomy for managing pulp exposures in both primary and permanent teeth. It is especially effective when performed soon after trauma or in controlled carious exposures. Studies report success rates above 90% with bioceramic materials like MTA and Biodentine. Case selection, operator technique, and proper sealing are critical to achieving optimal outcomes.
Partial pulpotomy aligns with the minimally invasive dentistry philosophy, reducing the need for more extensive endodontic procedures and maintaining tooth vitality for longer periods.
💡 Conclusion
Partial pulpotomy is a reliable and conservative vital pulp therapy that supports biological healing and long-term function. When performed correctly and with appropriate materials, it offers a high success rate and preserves natural pulp defenses. It is recommended as a first-line treatment for immature permanent teeth and select primary teeth with localized inflammation.
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Video 🔽 Dental Treatment: Vital Pulp Therapy for Primary Teeth ... The anatomical characteristics of primary teeth are different from permanent teeth. It is important to know these differences when performing any dental procedure.📚 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
✔ Aguilar, P., & Linsuwanont, P. (2019). Vital pulp therapy in vital permanent teeth with cariously exposed pulp: A systematic review. Journal of Endodontics, 45(5), 511–517. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2019.01.021
✔ Bogen, G., Kim, J. S., & Bakland, L. K. (2008). Direct pulp capping with mineral trioxide aggregate: An observational study. Journal of the American Dental Association, 139(3), 305–315. https://doi.org/10.14219/jada.archive.2008.0177
✔ Nowicka, A., Wilk, G., Lipski, M., Kołecki, J., & Buczkowska-Radlińska, J. (2015). Tomographic evaluation of reparative dentin formation after direct pulp capping with Ca(OH)₂, MTA, Biodentine, and dentin bonding system in human teeth. Journal of Endodontics, 41(8), 1234–1240. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2015.03.017
✔ Chisini, L. A., Collares, K., Cademartori, M. G., et al. (2022). Vital pulp therapy for primary teeth: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Oral Investigations, 26(1), 91–106. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-021-04076-9
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